Cora Kirk is a British actor with her career spanning across Film, TV and Theatre.
This year, Cora portrayed the character Freya Netflix’s After Everything. In 2022, Cora also starred in film Prey For The Devil. Her television credits include British drama Granchester (ITV), Vera (ITV), Father Brown (BBC) and Midsomer Murders (ITV).
Her stage work includes Of All The Beautiful Things In The World (Home Manchester), A Monster Calls (Old Vic/Bristol Old Vic), Peter Pan (National Theatre) and more.
Well-known for her lead role as Hayley in festive rom com Your Christmas Or Mine on Prime Video. We spoke to Cora about her role …
Please introduce yourself …
My name is Cora Kirk, I’m an actor & creative soul originally from Oldham, Manchester but currently living in East London.
Describe your life right now in a word or one sentence …
Full & thriving!
What started you on this particular career path?
When I was younger both my parents worked in set design in the industry so I grew up surrounded by amazing artists and creatives – naturally seeing and absorbing that joy and passion for the arts from a young age was what sparked and nurtured my creativity.
Tell us about Your Christmas or Mine 2 and working with the cast again?
Your Christmas Or Mine 2 follows young couple Hayley (me) and James, who are gearing up for their second Christmas as a couple. And that can only mean one thing … more mayhem with the Taylor and Hughes families. As a cast we have such a loving and fun dynamic, & we love that that can be seen on screen too – Angela Griffin has always been one of my acting icons, and since working together, she’s become such an amazing mentor and friend.
How did you feel when you got the part of Hayley and how has her character developed from the first film?
My heart was the fullest it’s ever been – the audition process was so long, and whilst it was fun, I knew that this would be a big turning point for me, and I didn’t want to let myself down by not going all the way to get the role. I’ve been so lucky this year to have such an incredible production team around me to aid in Hayley’s development – Jessie Fell, our incredible costume designer, and I sent mood boards back and forth to discuss how Hayley’s style has evolved and I was allowed so much creative input when picking out the wardrobe; Sjann Gillings, our fabulous hair and make-up designer, made me and my curls feel so safe and was so open to discussing how to find Hayley’s hairstyles whilst honouring how I knew my hair liked to be styled; & of course Tom Parry (the writer), Jim O’Hanlon (the director) and my incredible cast all contributed in where we find Hayley in this film.
GETTING TO KNOW …
What’s made you Sad, Mad, Glad this week?
Is it a cop out to say nothing has really made me sad this week – I’m feeling super grateful & blessed & 2024 is going to be an amazing year, fingers crossed.
I’m mad at myself because I’ve come down with a winter cold – too much Bailey’s hot chocolate and not enough Vitamin C!
I’m glad for the people I have around me at the moment – I’ve had some big changes in my life recently, and the people I love have really proven that they’re the crème de la crème of friends, and I’m so glad to be surrounded by such love and support.
What are you watching?
I’m re-watching The Last of Us, because it’s one of the most gripping series’ ever, I still need to watch Saltburn, and of course I’m binging every Christmas film possible.
What are you reading?
I’m devouring Tomorrrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.
What are you listening to?
I just checked & the last song I was listening to on Spotify was Rambling Man by Laura Marling.
Last thing you saw on stage?
Romeo and Juliet at The Royal Exchange in Manchester – big up, Conor Glean!
What’s on your bucket list?
Too many things to list! A dream bucket list scenario is to do a play at the National Theatre, so let’s manifest that for 2024.
Where’s your happy place?
At a handmade wooden table, eating lovingly homemade mushroom ramen & listening to jazz music.
Whose footsteps are you following in?
All of the amazing northern creatives that have come before me inspire me, but I’d like to think I’m carving out my own unique path.
What’s next?
I start filming a new comedy-drama in Manchester in early 2024, & I’m very excited to be working alongside a stellar cast as well as being back in my hometown.
Where can we find you?
I’m @corajkirk on Instagram!
Where can we see you next?
You will be seeing me this festive season in the VERA Christmas special The Rising Tide on ITV, and you can watch Your Christmas or Mine 1 & 2 on Prime Video UK now.
Your Christmas or Mine 2 is available exclusively on Prime Video