Former Bridgerton star talks working with Shakespearean legend: “He’s made it feel so accessible to me”

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Actors often have a mental list of theatrical achievements they aspire to – things like performing Shakespeare, working with the Royal Shakespeare Company, or collaborating with a highly respected figure in the field.

Ruby Stokes, who previously played Francesca in Bridgerton before Hannah Dodd took over, is currently experiencing all three of those things simultaneously.

The actress is making her first appearance with the Royal Shakespeare Company in their production of The Tempest in Stratford-Upon-Avon, where she’s playing Miranda opposite the renowned Kenneth Branagh.

She described working at the Royal Shakespeare Company as incredible, saying it was everything she’d ever wanted. She admitted to feeling a bit anxious before rehearsals began, explaining that while she understands Shakespeare, she briefly doubted herself before quickly regaining her confidence.

She spoke highly of working with Ken Branagh, known for his many Shakespearean films and plays, saying she greatly admires both him and his work style.

He does a lot of preparation beforehand, which makes his performance feel natural, effortless, and honest. Ken’s portrayal of Prospero feels very real – it’s a character many of us can relate to, someone deeply connected to truth and reality.

He’s a remarkably giving actor, always contributing and supporting his scene partners. I’ve asked him countless questions, and he’s always been happy to sit down with me, explain things, listen to my thoughts, and work through ideas together.

In the series, Kenneth Branagh and Himesh Patel portray a father and daughter who live on a faraway island when the surviving members of a shipwrecked crew arrive.

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Miranda is frequently portrayed as compassionate, innocent, and full of wonder. However, the actress playing her, Stokes, challenged that interpretation, pointing out that while Miranda is indeed innocent, that doesn’t mean she’s passive or unintelligent.

She’s a very genuine person who always acts on her feelings and speaks honestly. She’s confident and doesn’t hesitate to say what she thinks.

I’ve always been captivated by strong, independent female characters, and that’s a big part of why I adore this one. She just doesn’t fit the mold of how women were ‘supposed’ to act back then, and I find that incredibly refreshing and compelling.

Authors

Olivia Garrett

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2026-05-15 16:09