Bethany Asher stars in the latest series of ‘Sherwood’ – a BBC Drama which has been gripping the nation and stirring up plenty of discussion this summer – both on social media and in homes across the country…
At the heart of it is Bethany’s character ‘Stephie’. It’s a pivotal role, which sees her play the sister of ‘bad boy’ Ryan – a wild-eyed renegade whose impulsive actions are the catalyst for the show’s gripping narrative…
Picture: Bethany Asher
Bethany hopes that her powerful and extremely emotive turn will help to open more doors for people who have Down Syndrome, and to help people see them in a completely different light.
“There are parts for people who have Down Syndrome, but they’re often one- dimensional. It’s not often we get gritty characters and storylines, but James Graham – the director was different. He got it,” she said.
“I like roles where I have something to get my teeth into and Sherwood gave me that. Stephie had everything and everyone in the palm of her hands and it was empowering to play her. Without giving too much away, she does something unexpected in the show which was very powerful…
“I wish that writers and directors would be more daring and challenge people’s ideas of how they see people with Down Syndrome. James Graham has set a standard and I am very grateful to him.”
Bethany, lives in the Leicestershire village of Burbage. Her Mum Bekki is a drama teacher who immediately saw her potential and enthusiasm for the craft.
She decided she wanted to be an actress after going to a meet and greet on the set of CBBC’s ’The Dumping Ground’.
“I remember being on set and watching – wishing I could be a part of it,” she recalls.
“In the car coming back from Newcastle I said to Mum “get me an agent, I need an agent.
“We found one right away and within a month, BBC Doctors got in contact. I appeared on the show and never looked back…”
Since then Bethany, 29, has appeared in shows like Casualty and got her wish of appearing as a character on ‘The Dumping Ground’.
She also secured a role in ITV’s ‘Wild Bill’ alongside Rob Lowe and Emma Darcy of ‘House of the Dragon’ fame.
Picture: Bethany with Rob Lowe
A part in ‘Mobility’ – a BBC short, is another acting credit Bethany has on her CV. The project won a BAFTA earlier this year, and allowed Bethany to flex her impressive comedy chops.
However, one of her proudest achievements was starring in the short film ‘Good Grief’, she tells us. It was a heart- wrenching project which focussed on child loss.
“It challenged me as an actress, and I put on an emotional performance which I’m really proud of. But it was also a role which has nothing to do with Down Syndrome,” she explains. “I was chosen by the director simply because he felt that I was the best person for the job. I brought the emotion and he recognised my talent, which meant a lot…”
Although we are seeing more people with disabilities on screen, Bethany feels that the group is still strongly underrepresented. People who have Down Syndrome are often put in a box and cast as ‘one dimensional’ characters, which is wrong.
“People look at a person who has Down Syndrome and think we’re all the same. But we’re just like any human being
with different skillsets and personalities of our own. Often, with Down Syndrome that’s overlooked. You see the Down Syndrome first rather than the person,” she explains.
“I challenge everyone to question their narratives and expectations. When they see someone who has Down Syndrome, take away the box and see us as individuals.”
Picture: BBC. Bethany on the set of Sherwood
Bethany describes herself as ‘funny’ – someone with a dry sense of humour. In her spare time she enjoys horse riding, photography and dancing. She works two days a week in a local charity shop and helps out by waitressing at a local restaurant.
Her attitude to life and positive resilience is truly inspiring.
“I’m a very positive person. I think it brings success and makes the world a better place,” she tells Pukaar.
“A few people have stopped me in my tracks on my way to work this week, after seeing me in Sherwood. I like to be recognised but I don’t like to blow my own trumpet. I like to stay humble.
“I’ve had three ‘no’s’ in my career to date, but I just take it as it comes,” she adds. “With acting, you never know what’s around the corner. I just get back up and try again. My message is don’t let anyone tell you you can’t. Follow your dreams. If I can do it so can you.”
By Louise Steel
