Actors

Alison Bruce – Viv

Key questions:

Is the role of Viv a caricature or a real person?
What do you see as the connection between acting for stage and acting for television?
Is it true that acting is something you either can or can't do?

Alison Bruce, who plays the role of Eve's mum Vivienne in Being Eve, is a veteran of New Zealand stage and screen.

In 2000 she was nominated for Best Actress at the Nokia New Zealand Film Awards for her role in Magik and Rose, which was written and directed by Being Eve producer, Vanessa Alexander.

"I was very keen to work with Vanessa again after Magik and Rose. I love working with her and she trusts me and gives me freedom. And it's always fun working with Vanessa.

"Viv is a great mum," says Bruce of her character. "She pretty much lets her kids do what they like, but she's there for them when they need her and has good advice. Although she can tease poor young Eve too.

"Being a mum myself (I have a little boy), I can relate to Viv on most levels. But she's a fabulous caterer and I'm a terrible cook! Just useless! If it's not burnt, it's off. I've just about given up on cooking. I love the fact Vivienne's the one that starts the food fights – she's a bit mischievous and naughty which is fun."

Although Eve's parents have split up, they are still neighbours and Eve is convinced that her mother still wants her father back.

"They really love each other still," says Bruce. "But Viv is always frustrated with him. They try and keep it civil."

Bruce shares a close bond with Fleur Saville who plays her onscreen daughter, Eve.

"I have so much admiration for Fleur. She's amazing. I remember our very first scene – it was very easy to strike up the mother-daughter relationship with her. She's a brilliant young actress," says Bruce.

Bruce's television credits include Xena, Hercules, Street Legal, and Shortland Street. Her theatre career began in the late 1970s with Auckland's Theatre Corporate.

From there she went on to perform in numerous plays throughout New Zealand.

Alison Bruce plays Viv.