TANVI Virmani is about to appear in a Restoration comedy in London’s Garrick Theatre.
Aged 23, she grew up in Sindlesham and went to school in Wokingham.
Following graduation from drama school, she is about to appear in London’s West End, for the second time.
Wokingham.Today caught up with her during a break between rehearsals for forthcoming Restoration comedy, The Crown Jewels.
“I’m really enjoying it,” she said.
“The cast are lovely, and it’s just such a funny room to be in.”
“Restoration comedy is a new style of acting for me, but it’s a very accepting company, and they’ve allowed me to try things out and develop them, to see what works.”
Set during the reign of King Charles II, the play follows an attempt to steal the Crown Jewels from the Tower of London.
Al Murray plays the king, with other roles performed by Carrie Hope Fletcher, Mel Giedroyc, Neil Morrissey, Joe Thomas, Aidan McArdle, and Tanvi Virmani.
“Most of us have more than one role, ” Tanvi explained.
“I play one of the thieves, and the jailer of the Tower of London.”
She has previously appeared in the West End, in Life Of Pi.
“That was also great fun,” she said.
Tanvi was cast as Pi’s sister, but at times she played the title role.
“It was amazing,” she continued.
“I got to play Pi five times.
“The writers produced a different script for me so that it worked to play the character as a woman.
“It was a very physical show, with puppeteers working the animals, and a very complicated set.
“Because of safety, I always had to know exactly where to stand.”
The show also involved lifts and fights.
“I became much stronger during the run,” Tanvi continued.
“And I learnt so much..
“There was always a lot to think about, and it was fun juggling everything.
“Working in a 700 seater theatre was a challenge, too.
“We had to project our voices over the sounds of a storm, and animal noises.”
As a child Tanvi attended St Theresa’s Primary School, Wokingham, The Holt School in Wokingham, and Kendrick School, Reading.
“Theatre was my hobby,” she said.
“From the age of eight I went to Wokingham Youth Theatre, and later joined Progress Theatre in Reading.
“I was planning to study English at Warwick University, and wanted to become a journalist.
“But then I joined the National Youth Theatre, and our teacher told us about drama schools, so I applied to those too.”
Despite being accepted at Warwick University, Tanvi chose to take a foundation course at RADA.
This was followed by a three year BA acting degree at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
“It was during the pandemic,” she said.
“It was a tricky time, but it actually brought the year group together.”
After graduating last year, Tanvi played Miranda in The Tempest in Bath, before her stint with Life Of Pi.”
With her second West End production now about to open, she is looking forward to this run.
“Some time I’d love to perform Shakespeare at the RSC,” she said.
“Whether it happens next year, or in 30 years time, I’ll be delighted.
“But just now, The Crown Jewels is selling well, and I’m really excited about the show.
“It’s very melodramatic, and flamboyant, and great fun.
“My family are coming to see the first night this week, which is lovely.
“It’s always a great support to have them in the audience.
“And some of my friends have booked tickets too.
“I really hope they enjoy it.”
The Crown Jewels opens on Friday, July 7, and runs until September.
For information, visit: www.londontheatredirect.com and search for The Crown Jewels.
