'There's a tragedy to it': Tamzin Outhwaite draws on personal experience for new role

Tamzin Outhwaite has told how she has drawn on her own personal experience for her latest stage role which centres on the pressures of modern-day parenting.

The 42-year-old actress is currently embroiled in a split with her husband of seven years, Miranda star Tom Ellis, and revealed she has turned to yoga to keep herself calm.

Outwaite will star alongside Robert Webb, Sarah Hadland - also of Miranda - and Barnaby Kay in comedy Raving. She plays Briony, one half of a couple who are struggling with family life.

She said: “It’s about so many things on so many different levels. It’s about parenting, control, relationships, marriage, infidelity, friends. And about a group of very different people coming together to try and get Briony and her husband Keith away from their child for one weekend.

“Like any good comedy, there is tragedy to it. Humour comes from the situation. It is very dark at times.

“My character has a three-year-old, has read all of the parenting books you are supposed to read, is in those middle class circles - the really judgemental circles. We as parents judge each other and are always worrying, ‘Am I doing the right thing?’”

The play, directed by Edward Hall, is being premiered at the Hampstead Theatre where Outhwaite had a sell-out hit with Di and Viv and Rose in the spring.

She filed for divorce from Ellis, 34, with whom she has two children, citing adultery which followed reports he had cheated on her.

She said she had turned to yoga, adding: “One of our characters actually recommends it in the play. Yoga is providing me with calm. When you have two beautiful kids to look after it’s very important how funny or well you portray a character but it’s not... If it doesn’t work out then it won’t be devastating.”

Raving is at the Hampstead Theatre from October 17 to November 23.