ITV’s new cop drama The Level is a little bit different than your average police show. For starters, rather than being helmed by a middle-aged man in the throes of a mid-life crisis, the focus instead is on Nancy, a 20-something rising star in the police force who is can run rings around her male colleagues and yet still belie a vulnerable side. Her best friend? A former footballer's wife and glamour model who is more than capable of dealing with the men in suits trying to pull the wool over her eyes.
Karla Crome, who plays Nancy Devlin, is a 28-year-old actress you probably recognise from E4’s Misfits. She’s very much enjoying her new role. ‘She’s a high flying detective sergeant.’ She says proudly when we speak to her about Nancy. ‘She’s got a professionally flawless record.’
Nancy's aforementioned best friend is Hayley Svrcek is played by Laura Haddock. She, like Nancy, is another well-rounded, intelligent young female character, and was a pleasant surprise to viewers, especially considering the lazy treatment glamourous young women can be given in TV scripts. Karla loved working with Laura. 'She’s incredible,' She says. 'She’s a brilliant actress and, what’s really special about her is that she really l_istens_ when you’re acting. What can happen sometimes is because you're repeating these shots you get tired and sometimes you will be working with an other actor and you cansee their eyes glaze over. Laura’s constantly listening and responding to what you’re saying. Makes my job a lot easier!'
Nancy is mixed race, not that this should be the focus of the show though. ‘I’ve been really fortunate in my career so far to dodge stereotypes.’ Karla says. ‘I shouldn’t feel lucky. It should be very normal to see people of different races and ethnic minorities playing different parts.’ For her, it’s about reflecting contemporary society in a responsible way. ‘I just think it’s indicative of our times. It really ought not to be groundbreaking but it’s great that things are moving forward.’
Karla isn’t just an actress. She’s a playwright too with her work being presented by the National Youth Theatre and premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe. ‘I’ve always farted about with it.’ She says. When I graduated drama school I was involved in a friend's theatre company and I thought "sure" and I submitted a few pieces for this scratch night and they turned around and said, “You know, these are actually pretty good we’ll do them!” I think at any point in your career as a creative, whether you’re an actor, writer whatever it’s a real turning point when someone who’s not you turns around and validates your work it gives you a lot of confidence.’
How does she find time between acting to have such a multi-faceted career? For those of us that have tried to have projects on the side, we know the hardest part is getting started, followed closely by managing to stay motivated. Karla agrees. ‘It’s important to find your tribe.’ She instructs. ‘If you can find people you can share ideas with, people you’re mutually stimulated by it helps you move forward. I’ve not been able to finish any project where I haven’t had other people involved making me do it really.’
As always though, it’s finding the right people that’s key. ‘It’s about finding those people that are as motivated as you and aren’t those people that are armchair philosophers who go “Oh we will, we will!” And never actually get round to it.’
BRB, just off to find my tribe.
The Level is on Fridays on ITV at 9PM. Catch up on ITV Hub.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.