Should everyone take comedy “improv” (improvisation) classes? How does an actor navigate the high turnover of directors on a professional TV show? What does a produced TV screenplay look like?

Amy Bailey portrays the ‘sex-mad murderess’ Queen Kwenthrith of Mercia in Amazon Prime’s historical saga set in ninth-century Wessex. Bailey has also won praise for roles on stage in acclaimed musical productions like ‘Guys & Dolls’ and ‘Play it again, Sam’ (being nominated for Best Actress role in both of them).

Recently, Amy Bailey was also the female lead in the award-winning short film, ‘Swallow Your Dreams’, directed by Dan Sloan - opposite Paul McGann (of “Dr Who” fame). She’s also worked with actor Daniel Day-Lewis, alongside a stellar cast of Hollywood A-listers including Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Dame Judi Dench and Sophia Loren.

Amy isn’t just a high-flier on screen and stage. She’s witty, and full of insights about the sorts of things any writer or director needs to know: about being prepared for your cast and crew, the way to approach an actor if you think the part’s right for them and about the kind of fast-paced writing needed for a successful TV series!

NB: Don’t forget to listen to ‘Vikcast - It's A Viking Thing’ with Amy Bailey and Clive Standen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vikcast-its-a-viking-thing/id1594846654