Introduction to Sharon Horgan
Sharon Horgan, the award-winning actor, writer, producer, and director, recently spoke at the Hay Festival about her journey to finding confidence in her work. Horgan, known for her hit shows such as "Bad Sisters," "Disaster," "Pulling," and "Motherland," shared her experiences and insights with the audience.
Finding Confidence with Bad Sisters
Horgan stated that she finally found confidence after the second series of "Bad Sisters" was released last year. She attributed this newfound confidence to the fact that "Bad Sisters" felt like her own project, despite being part of a huge team. The show, an adaptation of the Belgian series "Clan" on Apple TV+, is a revenge story about sisters who want to kill an abusive husband.
Turning to Writing
Horgan also spoke about how she turned to writing because she couldn’t land any acting roles. She decided to write parts for herself, starting with her first pilot in the early 2000s with Dennis Kelly for a BBC Three show. The comedy was mainly written by men, and Horgan wanted to write about herself and her friends, creating flawed and realistic female characters.
Breaking into the Industry
Horgan expressed her concerns that other women might not create their own shows because of the limited opportunities for female-led comedies. She felt like it was a "one-in-one-out system," where only one female comedy could exist at a time. However, she persevered and eventually teamed up with Rob Delaney to create the hit show "Disaster."
Motherhood and Motherland
Horgan also discussed her experiences with motherhood and how it inspired her to create the BBC series "Motherland." The show, which she created with Holly Walsh and Graham Linehan, follows a group of mothers navigating the challenges of mid-range motherhood. Horgan drew from her own experiences as a mother, feeling like an outsider and finding her tribe of fellow mothers.
Career Success and Perfectionism
Since then, Horgan’s career has continued to thrive, with multiple roles in many of her shows, ranging from executive producer to actor to writer and even director. However, she admitted that her perfectionism sometimes causes problems on set. She has learned to trust her team and delegate tasks, but still struggles with self-doubt.
Favorite Character
When asked which of her characters she would like to be, Horgan chose Sharon Morris from "Disaster." Despite her obvious success and newfound self-confidence, Horgan admires Morris’s honesty, bravery, and humor. Morris is a flawed but relatable character who articulates her thoughts and feelings, making her a compelling and endearing character.
Conclusion
Horgan’s discussion at the Hay Festival offered a unique glimpse into her journey as a writer, actor, and producer. Her experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, self-confidence, and trust in one’s team. As Horgan continues to thrive in the entertainment industry, her characters and shows remain a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft.
More from the Hay Festival
The Hay Festival features a wide range of discussions, panels, and performances. Horgan’s talk was just one of the many events that took place during the festival, showcasing the diversity and richness of the literary and entertainment world.
