Everyone is talking about it and everyone is loving it – Boiling Point, the sequel series to the critically acclaimed film of the same title. Directed by BAFTA and BIFA nominated director Philip Barantini, the film garnered an array of nominations and awards, solidifying its cinematic excellence. Lucky for us, several of the original cast have joined the continuation of Boiling Point in its sequel series, including Hannah Traylen, who will be reprising her character, Holly, who has now joined the kitchen staff under new head chef Carly.
Hannah is a multi-talented beaming star who is also an aspiring writer and is currently producing her own short film, Small Fry. Following the story of Amy, played by Hannah herself, navigating the consequences of an unexpected pregnancy. Adding to her promising acting portfolio, Hannah has also starred in multiple prominent TV dramas, such as the BBC’s Ridley Road, Netflix’s Behind Her Eyes and the BBC’s Beyond Paradise.
We had the honour of sitting down with the multi-talented actress to learn about her early days within the industry, the journey from Boiling Point the movie to series, bringing her own projects go life and upcoming aspirations…
Watch the Boiling Point trailer…
Read the exclusive interview below…
How did you get into acting?
I had no idea people like me could have a career in “playing dress-up”. My sister and I used to put on little shows at family gatherings. We’d rummage through a big box of my mum’s old clothes and step into whatever world we wanted to create. From my very first role playing Mary in a school Nativity, I was obsessed with the idea of acting. Even though people on the telly felt like they were in another world to me, when I was three, I told my mum that’s what I wanted to do. Fast-forward to secondary school and my wonderful drama teachers, Nathan (who’d worked previously in Nottingham with The Television Workshop) & Abbie. They spotted something in me in the school plays, and pushed me to follow it as a profession. They researched grants and opportunities with me and I auditioned for drama school when I was seventeen. I always say I felt like Billy Elliot arriving at the Royal Ballet School because I just remember this huge staircase and loads of photos of past shows covering the walls… I’d never seen anything like it! I signed with an agent in my last year and filmed my first screen job before I’d graduated. I’m really into the Law of Attraction these days; following your heart and trusting the universe. So I stand by “if you can dream it, you can do it!”. Also, I got to take Nathan to the Hounded premiere in Leicester Square with me last year and that was a pretty special moment.
What are your main inspirations in the industry?
The powerful yet sensitive female actors of the industry inspire me the most. I used to watch Titanic on repeat as a kid, so Kate Winslet is a given. Emma Thompson, Sheridan Smith, Kathy Burke, Sarah Lancashire, Andrea Arnold, Viola Davis, Olivia Colman, Meryl Streep… the list goes on! I just love that we get the privilege of hopping into different minds, different lives, different worlds and challenge opinions, warm hearts and start conversations. It’s like mixing playtime when you were four years old with digging to the core of what it is to be a human being.
Congratulations on reprising your role as Holly in the sequel series to Boiling Point — how do you see your character evolving since the original film?
Thank you! I was so excited when Phil Barantini (Director) and Stephen Graham (playing Andy Jones in Boiling Point) phoned me to tell me Holly was being brought back as part of the principle cast in the BBC series. It proved Stanislavski’s point to me, that there really are “no small parts”. Just focus on watering that soil and sowing the seeds. Even though I had one scene in the film, I went fully method with bringing my own rubbish for the car footwells and I’d go to work when I wasn’t called, just to soak it all up. Holly is now in the kitchen; one half of the pot-wash duo with Jake (Dan Larkai). She’s trying to leave the life of petty crime behind her. She brings her tough outer and soft centre to Point North, always managing to make Carly smile. We see her friendship with Jake put to the test, her insecurities bubble to the surface and the level of sacrifice she’s willing to make for the people she loves. Holly’s a survivor and she isn’t afraid to speak up and be honest, which challenges the hierarchy and inequality of the kitchen.
What was it like to work with Philip Barantini and fellow cast members again?
Phil started as an actor and I think that’s why he really understands how to get the best out of people. He directs in a very practical way and trusts you to know your character and is completely open to suggestions. I think that’s why projects he’s a part of are oozing with passion because he allows creatives to be creative. I’ve always admired the way Mike Leigh works, so to work with a similar level of detail was a dream. When such a safe space is created and you’re allowed to try different things, the fear of getting it “wrong” disappears. Improvising taps directly into the strong imagination that’s most alive when we are kids. Being back with fellows and welcoming in new cast members was a thrill. It’s essential that you familiarise with one another ASAP because with improvisation there’s a level of trust that’s required for it to work. Although we had a script this time, Phil and James Cummings (Writer) were very open to us partially improvising during scenes, so we had to be on the ball, fully listening to each other throughout.
How does the dynamic on set differ from the first time?
The amount of love and passion for the project was just as it was for the film; there was a real buzz. However, when we shot the film I was sat outside in the car for 40 minutes, waiting for a tap on the window to let me know the camera would be coming out in approximately one minute. So being amongst everyone in the kitchen was a totally fresh experience. The film was also shot at Jones & Sons, a real restaurant in Dalston, London, but the series was shot in an incredibly stylish but very pretend restaurant built at Space Studios in Manchester, so that Matt Lewis (Director of Photography) could get around easier and the sides of the grill or fridge could be removed to get cool shots. The film, we actually shot in 2 days, whereas the series was over three months, so it was a big energy-conserving learning experience for all of us.
Holly finds love in this season. Without giving too much away, can you tell us what it was like to explore this romantic story?
There’s someone in Point North who she definitely has the hots for. Holly brings a fun dynamic to the kitchen. She isn’t bound by labels and goes with the flow; she’s a free spirit, not intimidated by hierarchies. But you’ll have to see who that is and if anything happens by tuning in. Juicy!
Boiling Point was a hit on the awards circuit. Does the anticipation for the sequel series create any added pressure for you?
None of us expected the level of success the film had. I think that came from having no expectations. From doing it solely for the art. You know, when everyone in front of and behind the camera care about a project so much, that energy is bound to shine through on screen, so we’ve all been quite keen on not focusing on what people think, and just make something we’re proud of and we believe in. But I think you’re gonna love it… there are a lot of laughs balancing the drama, we dive deeper into the personal stories of the characters, and there’s some gorgeous Jazz music thrown into the mix.
Switching gears a bit, you’re not just an actress but also an aspiring writer. How was the experience of writing and producing your debut short film, Small Fry?
Yes! So Small Fry is currently in pre-production with Made Up Productions, which is Phil Barantini’s production company. Writing it was surprisingly smooth-sailing. I had my first draft tied up in two nights because I visualised the film from start to finish in my mind, so writing was more like annotating the film from the projection in my head. I feel like it’s so important to follow your gut and try whatever it desires, and for me when we were filming Boiling Point, my creative impulse outside of work was to write. Samantha Beddoe (Producer) & I have worked closely to streamline the narrative which I’ve found the hardest part of the process so far because I could justify every second of it. So I really had to dig deep and figure out what scenes were driving the narrative forwards and what were pretty, cinematic moments not vital to the story, as our aim was fifteen minutes. It’s invaluable and important learning about what everyone does behind the scenes.
What inspired you to write Small Fry, and why did you want to play the role of Amy, a character you’ve written?
I grew up watching films that had strong social commentaries like Fish Tank (Andrea Arnold), Nil By Mouth (Gary Oldman) and All or Nothing (Mike Leigh). I started re-watching Mike Leigh’s work when we were filming Boiling Point back in March 2023, and got a strong urge to write. I was inspired by Phil and James’ bravery and vulnerability in the making of Boiling Point, and although I’ve always written, I hadn’t put anything out into the big, wide world. I sent my first draft to Phil just for his feedback, and I was pretty shocked that instead of notes, he came back to me and said “It’s brilliant. I want to make it with you. My production company will help you get it made.” I wanted to make a film that highlighted the loneliness felt by so many young people in their late-teens/early-twenties. Loneliness is often associated with elderly people, but I remember how strong the feeling of not belonging and trying to understand my purpose was in the transition into adulthood. I wanted to explore the coping mechanisms we use when we are without meaning or a community. We follow Amy when something shakes her out of routine and forces her into survival mode. I’ve spoken to so many people about the sensitive themes of abortion, substance misuse and loneliness, so I feel like I already know who she is and I have a clear vision of what it’ll look like.
What else can your fans look forward to in the coming months? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?
I play Hayley in Sexy Beast which is the Paramount Plus prequel to the 2000 film. The release date is yet to be announced. I love time-travelling and this one was the 1990’s which was great fun. There are a few other exciting things in the pipeline which I can’t announce just yet, but I’ll keep you posted.