The Game of Murder: Gemma Bissix

Gemma Bissix, best known for her roles as the scheming Clare Devine in Hollyoaks and Clare Bates in Eastenders, will tread the boards in Skegness next week as she stars in her first-ever theatre role – The Game Of Murder.


Likened to the controversial television series Twin Peaks, The Game Of Murder’s plot is based on a true series of murders that took place in America in the 1950s, and follows the story of Perry James and his yearning for an illicit affair with his wife’s sister Ellen Marriott.

The role of Perry James is played by Charlie Kemp, who starred as Max King in ITV’s Emmerdale, whilst the seductive Ellen Marriott is played by Bissix.

The Game Of Murder opens at the Embassy Theatre in Skegness on Monday, running till Wednesday, 21 October. For ticket details, call 0845 674 0505.

Ryan Butcher spoke to The Game Of Murder star Gemma Bissix

YOU’RE AROUND EIGHT WEEKS INTO THE TOUR. HOW HAVE THINGS BEEN GOING SO FAR?

It’s been going really, really, well. It’s a different experience going a week on, week off, all around the UK. It’s interesting how different some of the audiences can be. We’re really looking forward to coming to Skeg though.

YOU’RE USUALLY KNOWN FOR BEING A TELEVISION ACTOR. WHAT PROMPTED THE JUMP TO THE STAGE?

Well, mainly, I’m a soap actor. I’ve never been drama trained before, so for me, this was a chance to give theatre work a try and get it on my CV. I find the theatre a lot more rewarding. There’s a constant adrenaline that you don’t get when you’re on TV.

WHAT IS IT YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT THEATRE WORK?

Again, it’s that adrenaline. The only time I’ve ever had it on screen is when I’ve had a particularly big scene and a lot of lines to learn. But with the theatre, you’re constantly having to think on your feet, in the mind of the character, and you have to react to everything. One night, I opened a bottle of tonic water on stage, and it exploded everywhere. I had to keep in the mind of the character though. I just thought “what would Ellen do”.

YOU’VE BEEN KNOWN TO PLAY PARTICULARLY FIENDISH CHARACTERS, ESPECIALLY ON TV. HAS THAT HAD ANY NEGATIVE EFFECTS?

Oh definitely. I’ve had plenty of abuse. Once a woman refused to serve me in Sainsburys, telling me I should be ashamed of myself for what I’d done in Hollyoaks. I actually laughed. Then this other time, a vicar wrote to me offering to help me repent my sins. People don’t seem to understand the difference between me and the characters.

CLARE DEVINE MADE QUITE AN AMBIGUOUS EXIT FROM HOLLYOAKS THIS YEAR. HAVE WE SEEN THE LAST OF HER?

There’s a chance we’ll see her again. I can’t promise anything just yet. You’ll just have to wait and see.