Lottë Rose Middleton

How honoured I was to speak with Lottë Rose Middleton last month when I met her at the Unity Diner in Shoreditch, a Vegan diner offering a cheery atmosphere (even on a Thursday evening), and a non profit diner and bar ethos. She was so kind, and I am so grateful to her for taking the time to speak with me for this article, and for the Music Devotee blog overall. Every step is a step in the right direction.

We spent hours conversing about all things Queen, Brian May, and [the 2018 blockbuster movie] Bohemian Rhapsody. We're both big fans of the same music and people, and I've been following her online for a while - since about April 2019. I've become a big fan of her work; acting, modelling and advocating for animal rights; therefore promoting veganism, of which she is devoted to.

She answered some questions; mostly general, and some about Live Aid, the 1985 mega charity concert organised by Bob Geldof, Midge Ure, and promoted by Harvey Goldsmith. She was actually an extra in Freddie Mercury's biopic movie, Bohemian Rhapsody, and has a close up in the Live Aid scene of the film. She can also be seen for about a second during the party scene at Garden Lodge. Maybe you've already noticed.

Anyway, here are the (general) questions; I'm going to hold back the Live Aid ones for a later date. The best of luck to Lottë in her future endeavours, and I hope to hear from her again in the future.

1) Introduce yourself and the roles which you have played previously

My name's Lottë, but of course, you already knew that. I've played Jilly in 'The Sea' previously, Juliet in 'Romeo and Juliet', and of course, Debbie in 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

2) In terms of musical artists, who are your biggest inspirations and why?

Queen because I heard them as a kid, and grew up listening to them. Their music has spanned across generations and decades, and I think that is amazing. They're so amazing. Brian May is a big hero of mine because he is such a large campaigner for animals' rights and for veganism. Freddie Mercury, of course, because he was a huge LGBT advocate. I also adore Bowie because he was so androgynous at a time when it was perhaps not a good idea to be.

3) You starred in 'Bohemian Rhapsody', the 2018 biopic film of Freddie Mercury's life. What was that like for you as a fan of the band, 'Queen'?

It was like a kid living in Disneyland. I couldn't believe it. Everyday was exciting.

4) Did you get to meet any other actors on the set of the film?

I met Lucy Boynton, who plays Mary Austin, Freddie Mercury's girlfriend and longtime friend on the set. I met all of the actors during the filming of the party scene at Garden Lodge because it took about a week to film. They're all lovely, and didn't keep to themselves as one might have expected.

5) What was your favourite thing about shooting 'Bohemian Rhapsody'?

My favourite thing about shooting the Live Aid scene was that it was a never ending concert. My favourite thing about the party scene was getting all dressed up, and getting to watch the main actors up close.

6) As an actress, what does music mean to you? How do you use it in your daily life?

Music has an impact on me for everything. Classical music, for example, helps me to learn scripts. I also love musicals, so I listen to those quite a lot.

7) If you could star in a biopic about any celebrity, who would it be and why?

Princess Diana. She was an all-round wonderful person, and she was strong. I really admire her. She was also working so hard with AIDs victims, and I think that is amazing. She's inspiring.

8) How has music influenced you in acting?

Well, when I'm at drama school, we dance to get into character, and to really understand our characters also.

9) The Live Aid scene in 'Bohemian Rhapsody' - what was that like to film?

You could definitely tell who the real Queen fans were - we all grouped together. We shot one bit at the Wembley Arena set, and we thought it was all good. About eight months later, some of us (including me) were called into a studio to scream at a TV playing footage of Live Aid - I guess they really wanted real fans screaming for Queen at that point in the film.

10) Which is your favourite Queen album, and why?

'Sheer Heart Attack' because that was when they were on their Brian vibe.

11) What is your favourite Queen song, and why?

'Under Pressure' - I love the lyrics, and how it is all about giving a shit about something.

12) You've gained a lot of followers online in recent months; why do you think that is?

I honestly don't understand it. I think it might have something to do with that as a fan of the band, it's nice to see another fan out there that is really such a big fan of Queen, and has really done something with the band.

13) How did you react to seeing that you had fans, despite only acting for a short time?

I had a small following previously, but with the release of 'Bohemian Rhapsody', it's really grown. I've always attracted interesting people.

14) What do your fans mean to you?

As much as my friends. We've got so much in common. I really connect with them.

15) Have you got anything exciting happening in the future in terms of acting?

I've got a couple of auditions coming up. But generally, acting jobs are so few and far between.

16) Is there someone in your life that you'd like to thank? Somebody that you couldn't have done it all without?

My mum. She's truly my best friend. My maternal and paternal grandparents, too. Everybody is so supportive of me. I love them all so much.