About
Deena
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From then on I had the confidence to pursue more acting jobs starting off with fringe theatre ‘Not the 9 0 Clock News, playing the lead in Steaming and when I was in Tales of Sherwood Forest a TV programme I was introduced to Nina Finburgh another acting coach with the same technique as Carlyn Glynn, who helped me further and I am eager to pass on these techniques I learned from these wonderful women.
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Best known as
Viv from 'Emmerdale'
Press the button for info about Deena at
www.deenapayne.co.uk
I danced as soon as I could walk…..it’s my soul’s expression inspired by music that I love! I pursued a dancing career having attended Arts Educational Trust college from1969, at the Barbican in London and worked consistently in theatre and TV. In ‘76 I performed in the musical Big Sin City, the first of many musicals! It was when I was in the musical They’re Playing My Song at the Shaftesbury theatre in the West End that I met Carlyn Glynn.
Carlyn was headlining in the Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at Drury Lane theatre with rave reviews for her real and very believable performance. She taught the ‘method’ style of acting at the Actors Studio in New York and I was lucky to be one of 16 performers chosen to teach….out of the goodness of her heart!
Life changing for me! I learnt so much….not just about ‘acting’ but about myself. Carlyn held regular workshops over a couple of years and I loved every minute!
I can sincerely say that any performance I’ve produced that may be half way believable is down to her!
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In 1984 I joined Hornchurch Repertory theatre as Bob Tomson’s assistant director and choreographer breaking him in to the world of musicals! I received many choreographic job offers from then including opening the Canal Cafe comedy store in the early ‘80’s choreographing a number for three women one being Dune McCay ( could this have been the beginning of Drop the Dead Donkey?).
Choreography for actors turns out to be one of my fortes and I really enjoy bringing lyrics to life through movement.
1993 I joined the cast of Emmerdale as Viv and enjoyed riding the waves of interesting and exciting story lines for 18 years.
Viv was burnt to death in January 2011 so after playing the Wicked Queen at The Grand in Manchester, I joined the cast of Calender Girls in March…..3 enjoyable tours followed.
I happily juggle my Wellness Clinic with entertainment work, On Tidy Endings at Tristan Bates theatre Covent Garden, a tour of Our House, Ladies Day at Wolverhampton Grand, guest appearance on Doctors and being at hand to support the development of my husbands musical.