Elizabeth Morris had a hell of a 2019.
The writer and actor saw her film Killers Anonymous receive a global release – well, a cast of Gary Oldman, Suki Waterhouse and Jessica Alba tends to indicate you're kind of a big deal.
She also was interviewed by Square Mile, which you can read here.
We're not going to say which was the bigger achievement. They were both great achievements. Let's leave it at that.
Anyway, it was a pleasure to catch up with the polymath and all-round good egg for the latest instalment of Me and my London.
We'll let Morris take it from here...
Me
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
I will be collaborating with the amazing Sunday Times best selling author Catherine Gray (The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober) on my latest feature film We’re All a Bit Like Lilly: a dark comedy-drama exploring the world of alcoholism and singledom!
Alongside this I’m currently developing a comedy TV series with Lost Eye Films (the producer thinks I’m funny ‘af’ so that’s a good start).
When I get a moment I’ll be completing my first children’s book. It aims to tackle the social stigmas surrounding autism and bring to light the realities of living in a society where we still see things as ‘normal’ and ‘not normal’.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Writing a script for and starring alongside Gary Oldman. I’m still not over it yet.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
Sexism within the film industry still exists. It’s talked about, we’re shining a light on it but it still very much exists. So if I had a magic wand or a penis (arguably very similar in some cases) I’d change that.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
I’d like to achieve that, ‘my work here is done’ moment. I’m not sure any creative ever reaches that mythical, magical moment but it sure would be relaxing. Until then, I’d selfishly like to win an award. Any award will do.
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
Phoebe Waller Bridge. She’s an unstoppable force of absolute badassery! She writes as brilliantly as she acts. In fact, if I could change one thing about my career I would be Phoebe Waller Bridge.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
I was invited to 10 Downing Street for tea and cake when I was 11. I was furious when I learnt that ‘tea’ meant a ‘cup of’ and not a full sit down meal. Lovely globe in the foyer though.
My London
What do you love most about London?
The pace. The fast, chaotic day to day buzz. There’s nowhere else like it and you can practically smell ambition in the air. It’s a beautiful, diverse breeding ground of opportunity unlike any other.
Visiting or living in London there is always something new to devour. Whether it’s an alcohol-free pop up bar in Spitalfields, a new West End show or a tiny hidden book shop right round the corner from your house you never knew existed, London never stops.
What would you change about London?
The pace. Sometimes I wish everyone would just SLOW DOWN! We’ve found ourselves in such a fast moving tunnel of goal reaching, ladder climbing madness we forget to stop, look and listen. London is beautiful but sometimes we forget to see it.
What is your favourite London pub / bar?
The Royal Oak on Columbia Road. So old, so cosy and the flower market right outside gives it that winning edge.
What is your favourite London restaurant?
Beyond Bread. Okay it’s a bakery, but as a coeliac this place is like actual hunger heaven. Every single thing is gluten free. JOY!
Where would you take someone on a London date?
Ideally we’d gaze out over the whole of London from the hands of Big Ben – you know like Peter Pan and Wendy.
But taking budget and the law into account, I don’t think you can go wrong with Peckham Levels. Everyone always feels really good at Peckham Levels. Great street food, casual atmosphere and no need to ‘dress smart’ if you don’t feel like it!
If you’re visiting London, what’s the one thing you MUST do?
Stand on the right. Please.
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