Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
Charithra Chandran is not your typical starlet. The 25-year-old actress, who rose to fame for her role as Edwina Sharma in the second season of the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, has a degree in English literature from Oxford University and a passion for theatre. She is now set to make her West End debut in a one-woman show called Instructions for a Teenage Armageddon, written by Rosie Day and directed by Georgie Staight.
The show, which will run at the Garrick Theatre from 17 March to 28 April 2024, is a dark comedy that follows a 17-year-old girl who joins a flailing scout group after her sister dies from choking on a Yorkshire pudding. Chandran plays the protagonist, who narrates her journey of grief, rebellion and self-discovery through a series of hilarious and poignant monologues.
“I was immediately drawn to the script because it was so funny and original, but also very moving and relatable,” Chandran says. “I think anyone who has gone through adolescence, or is going through it, can connect with the themes of the show, such as identity, family, friendship, love and loss.”
Chandran says she was also excited by the challenge of performing solo on stage for 90 minutes, something she has never done before. “It’s definitely daunting, but also very liberating and rewarding,” she says. “I have to rely on myself and trust my instincts, but I also have the freedom to explore different aspects of the character and the story. It’s a very intimate and immersive experience, both for me and the audience.”
Chandran’s interest in theatre dates back to her childhood, when she would put on plays with her siblings and friends. She attended the National Youth Theatre and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she honed her skills and developed her love for acting. She made her professional stage debut in 2022, playing Juliet in a modern adaptation of Romeo and Juliet at the Southwark Playhouse.
She says she enjoys working in both theatre and screen, but finds them very different mediums. “Theatre is more immediate and spontaneous, you have to be in the moment and react to the audience and the environment,” she says. “Screen is more controlled and precise, you have to be aware of the camera and the editing. But both are very creative and collaborative, and I learn a lot from each project I do.”
One of her most notable projects was Bridgerton, the period drama based on the novels by Julia Quinn, which follows the lives and loves of the aristocratic Bridgerton family in Regency-era England. The show, created by Chris Van Dusen and produced by Shonda Rhimes, became a global sensation, breaking Netflix’s viewership records and earning rave reviews from critics and fans alike.
Chandran played Edwina Sharma, the younger sister of Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley), the love interest of Anthony Bridgerton (Jonathan Bailey). Edwina is a sweet and innocent debutante, who attracts the attention of several suitors, including the mysterious Lord Featherington (Ben Miller).
Chandran says she had a blast filming the show, which was shot in various locations across the UK, including Bath, London and York. She says she loved working with the cast and crew, who became like a family to her. She also enjoyed wearing the lavish costumes and accessories, designed by Ellen Mirojnick, which helped her get into the character.
“Bridgerton was such a dream come true for me, I still can’t believe I was part of it,” she says. “It was such a fun and beautiful show, with so much diversity and representation, which I think is very important and refreshing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and the response from the audience, who have been so supportive and kind.”
Chandran says she is open to returning to the show, if there is a possibility for her character to appear in future seasons. She says she is also looking forward to exploring other roles and genres, both on stage and screen. She says she admires actors like Emma Thompson, Viola Davis and Riz Ahmed, who have shown versatility and excellence in their careers.
“I want to keep challenging myself and growing as an actor, and work with people who inspire me and push me,” she says. “I want to tell stories that are meaningful and entertaining, and that reflect the world we live in. I feel very lucky and excited to be doing what I love, and I hope to continue doing it for as long as I can.”
