An Interview with Hayley-Marie Axe

British actress Hayley-Marie Axe hits movie theatres across the UK today with her new starring role alongside funnyman Kevin Bishop in writer/director Stuart Urban's comedy horror 'May I Kill U?'. Hayley-Marie stars as Val, a police officer who soon finds herself tackling more than just yobs and vandals in the London riots when her cycle cop partner Barry (played by Bishop) turns into a vigilante psychopath after a freak accident.

'May I Kill U' is the new film. Please tell us the story?
The story is about Baz (Kevin Bishop) a bicycle cop who has a bump to the head and turns into a vigilante and goes on a killing spree to clean up London.

And where does your character fit in?
Val is his police partner.

Val seems to be the only character in the film without a darker past. Did this attract you to the role or would you prefer it to have been a little more “bad”?
I have played a few baddies and really enjoyed it, so it was quite nice to be the rose amongst the thorns this time.

Hayley: "II have always wanted to go into film, and this role seemed like the perfect opportunity".

There are elements of social commentary mixed with the dark humour in the film. What would you say was the film’s main message?
I think the message is what the viewer makes of it, it depends whether you love or hate social media.

Did you think that there was ever a risk that the film might glorify or condone vigilantism?
No I don’t, but my nan might’ve done

There are some quite tough scenes in film. Do you feel the correct balance has been found between the violence and the humour?
Yes, Stuart Urban (the writer, director) has managed to find an ‘Ortonesque tone to the film – blending the gruesome with the mundane and adding a healthy does of social realism.

You star alongside Kevin Bishop who is more known for his comedic roles. How was it working with him?
Working with Kevin was great fun; he is very entertaining on and off set.

You’ve performed more on the stage in your career than on camera. How different has it been to star in a feature film and was it a specific decision to pursue film more at this time?
I have always loved film, and after I went to Theatre School I did a post-grad course in film and screen acting so I have always wanted to go into film, and this role seemed like the perfect opportunity.

Hayley: "Working with Kevin was great fun".

Francis Barber is of course an actress with a fantastic biography. Did you manage to pick up any tips from her as you embark on your film career?
Yes I love the way she draws the camera to her. Unfortunately I didn’t get to do any scenes with her, but I have seen the film a few times now and you can learn a lot from watching her.

What would be your favourite horror film?
Carrie. Telekenetic terror at it’s best! And what a cast!

In what will we see you next?
There are some exciting projects in the pipeline, so watch this space!

"Thank you ever so much for taking part in this interview.
And we wish you the very best of luck in the future."

'May I Kill You' opens in UK theatres today (Friday 11 January) and will arrive on DVD this Spring.