IN CONVERSATION WITH CASSIE BRADLEY

interview by JANA LETONJA

British actress Cassie Bradley's work spans theatre, television, and film. A graduate of the Oxford School of Drama, she launched her career with the National Theatre in Sam Mendes’ King Lear before building an impressive stage résumé with productions including Husbands and Sons, Posh, and work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Television audiences know her from Coronation Street, Casualty, Jesus: His Life, McDonald & Dodds, Waterloo Road, and Pushers. She’ll next appear alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in Practical Magic 2, premiering on 11th September, playing Hannah Owens, a young witch whose growing magical powers spark a series of supernatural events. Beyond acting, Cassie is also an accomplished ultramarathon runner, bringing remarkable discipline and resilience to both her career and personal life.

shirt SANDRO
necklace JULIETTA
skirt RAY CHU
socks TABIO
shoes L'AGENCE

Looking back, what first inspired you to pursue acting, and when did you know it was more than just an interest?
It was an unusual dream to want to pursue acting as I’m not from a traditional acting background or family. My Mum took me to see the pantomime Cinderella at Nottingham Playhouse when I was 3 years old and as soon as I experienced the magic of sitting in a theatre being told a story, that was it, I said I wanted to act. I then went to my local council-run drama group Nottingham Youth Theatre and the dream only got stronger. 

How did your training at the Oxford School of Drama shape the actor you are today?
OSD provided me with an exceptional training that was rigorous and creative. The school has a strong emphasis on craft and collaboration. It shaped me as a person and as an artist and I’m so grateful for the full DaDA scholarship that enabled me to train there. Without it, going to drama school would’ve been impossible.  

Theatre has been such an important part of your career. What keeps drawing you back to the stage?
I’ve always loved live performance, from doing “shows in the living room” when I was little to performing at The National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. I don’t think anything beats the electricity of being in front of an audience with the knowledge that the performance will be unique and irreplicable. 

suit EUDON CHOI
earrings MARGAUX STUDIOS
shoes GINA
necklace JULIETTA

Practical Magic 2 reunites audiences with a beloved story. What excited you most about joining the cast?
It is such an honour to be part of this iconic story. I’ve always loved Alice Hoffman’s books and the original film was a huge favourite of mine. It was so exciting to join the magic. At the heart of the story is the idea that, above all things, love is what truly matters. I think that’s so beautiful and something that is much needed in the world today.

Tell us about Hannah Owens. Who is she, and what makes her such an interesting character to play?
Hannah Owens is the original witch in the Owens family saga. Hannah has magic within her and is highly skilled in the “Nameless Arts”. Her blood sets in motion the course of events that lead to the Owens family curse, and their magic. She was an incredible character to play with her supernatural powers, connection to nature and her deep strength, courage and kindness. 

What was it like working alongside Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman?
It was wonderful to be involved in a project with them as both actors and producers. It was such a woman-led project, with Susanne Bier directing, Alice’s writing, Jina Jay casting and many female heads of department. It’s sad that this is still remarkable in our industry, but I hope that it is changing. It was a complete joy to work with so many brilliant people. 

Without giving too much away, what can fans of the original Practical Magic expect from the sequel?
I think fans are going to love it. Expect adventure, mystery, drama, a few surprises and, of course, spell binding magic. 

shirt TOGGA PULLA
trousers NAYA REA
shoes GINA
socks TABIO
earrings MARGAUX STUDIOS

You’ve built a career through a wide variety of roles rather than being defined by one character. Has that versatility always been part of your plan?
I’ve been very fortunate with the variety of roles and opportunities that have shaped my career so far. I’ve always been excited by the chameleon-quality acting as a craft demands. I love the whole process of creating a character, the research, the chance to explore, the constant discoveries and surprises.
I’m drawn to characters and projects that stretch and challenge me, That demand me to dig that bit deeper and that involve some emotional skydiving. 

Away from acting, you’re an ultramarathon runner. What first inspired you to take on such an extreme sport?
I think, like Forrest Gump, “I just kept on going.” I started running in 2020 with couch to 5k and then just kept going further and further, finding new limits and challenges for myself. Sport has always been a huge part of my life, from growing up ice skating and dancing in Nottingham, being part of a BCA British Champion cheerleading squad to spin instructing in London between acting jobs. I love the training and discipline required both mentally and physically to run an ultramarathon and the exhilaration crossing a finish line brings.

Do you see parallels between preparing for an ultramarathon and preparing for a demanding role?
Absolutely, I think there are so many interesting parallels between an athlete’s mindset and an actor’s mindset. The commitment demanded, the constant resilience needed, the passion of preparation. The work that no one sees, but is essential for race day/on set/in a theatre, the grit and the need to be match fit and ready for anything.

How do running and physical endurance help you manage the pressures of an acting career?
Running is headspace for me, it’s time where I can completely let go of everything apart from the next step. Sometimes it’s quiet and reflective, sometimes it’s creative and sparks lots of ideas about current projects. Running gives me the most incredible feeling of freedom. Physical endurance builds essential resilience, stamina and breath work needed in acting work, so I absolutely see them as working hand in hand. 

shirt CORDERA
jacket TOGGA PULLA
skirt RAY CHU
shoes GINA
tights TABIO

TEAM CREDITS:

talent CASSIE BRADLEY
photography DAVID REISS
styling RACHEL DAVIS at ONE REPRESENTS
make up EMMA MILES at CAREN using ELEMIS
hair VALERIE BENAVIDES at PREMIER HAIR & MAKE UP using HAIR BY SAM MCKNIGHT