‘Women are pitted against each other. It’s a blood sport’: Billie Piper on industry infighting, Elsinore’s Oscar buzz and thriving on personal crisis

*Elsinore* tells the story of actor Ian Charleson’s final months, as he played Hamlet at the National Theatre while living with Aids. Billie Piper plays his close friend, casting director Patsy Pollock, in the Oscar-tipped British film, which centres on Charleson’s decision to take on the role despite his illness.

Piper says acting on stage has helped her process personal struggles, and describes the film’s emotional demands as an effort to channel grief. The article also reflects on her career from teen pop star to Olivier-winning actor, and her views on the pressures of the industry, including women being pitted against one another.