British actress Rhea Norwood, known for her role as Imogen Heaney in the popular Netflix series Heartstopper, has shared insights into the third season of the show and her experience starring in London’s West End production of Cabaret. The actress, who has been balancing her rising career in both television and theater, revealed that Heartstopper will take on more mature themes, while her portrayal of Sally Bowles in Cabaret has been a personal dream come true.
Heartstopper Season 3 Themes
Heartstopper has been praised for its heartfelt and genuine portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships, and its third season is expected to continue that tradition while introducing more complex issues. According to Norwood, this season will deal with topics such as mental health, university choices, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood. As the characters move closer to the end of high school, the show will explore their uncertainties about the future.
“All the characters are getting much older now,” Norwood said, referring to how Heartstopper is growing alongside its audience. “They’re looking at universities, Imogen included, and thinking a lot about the future, who they want to be when they go into the world.”
The third season, which premieres this week, will also feature new faces, including Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton. He will play Jack Maddox, a celebrity crush for Charlie, one of the main characters. Norwood shared her excitement about Bailey’s casting, noting how his charm and charisma added a fresh dynamic to the show.
Norwood reflected on the atmosphere on set during the filming of season three, noting that the cast has grown closer over time. “By season three, we all know each other so well. There’s this natural chemistry now that we have. It’s a very playful energy, and there’s a lot of joking around.”
Sally Bowles in Cabaret
While Heartstopper has helped Norwood build a solid fan base, her recent role as Sally Bowles in the West End revival of Cabaret marked a significant moment in her career. Playing the iconic role in the Playhouse Theatre from June to September, Norwood starred alongside Layton Williams in a production that was both physically demanding and artistically rewarding.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s Berlin, during the rise of the Nazi Party, Cabaret tells the story of the Kit Kat Club and the relationship between Sally and American writer Clifford Bradshaw. Norwood said that playing Sally, a character she has dreamed of portraying since she was 16, was both challenging and fulfilling.
“I think I’m one of the youngest people to play Sally Bowles,” Norwood said, reflecting on her journey. “It’s a role that requires a lot physically, but creatively, it’s been incredibly fulfilling. There’s so much depth to where you can go with the character and the script.”
Although Norwood admits that performing such a demanding role took a toll on her physically, she feels that creatively, she could continue much longer. “My body is telling me it’s time [to stop], but the character and the show still feel fresh to me. It’s beautiful how much room there is for growth in this role.”
More On Heartstopper Season 3
Rhea Norwood’s versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to switch between the lighthearted, youthful energy of Heartstopper and the darker, more intense atmosphere of Cabaret. As she steps into more mature roles and themes, both in television and on stage, Norwood continues to showcase her range as a performer.
Fans of Heartstopper will be able to catch the third season on Netflix soon, while Norwood’s performance in Cabaret has left a lasting impact on London’s theater scene. Whether she is exploring the inner lives of teenagers for love and identity or the complex world of pre-World War II Berlin, Norwood proves she is a talent to watch in both worlds.
For more updates on Heartstopper and Rhea Norwood’s career, tune in to Vviptimes.
