The Cast of Mr. Apple
Carley Stenson as Mummy
English actress and singer Carley is known for her roles as Steph Cunningham in the Channel 4 soap opera Hollyoaks and Harriet Shelton in the BBC soap opera Doctors. Her focus is now on musical theatre acting, having played roles such as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical and Fantine in Les Misérables. In 2023, she competed in the 15th series of Dancing on Ice.
“I was sat on a busy train when I got sent the script for Mr Apple. And I cried! It’s just so beautifully moving. It’s subtle and sweet and about how death is a part of life, the pains of it we can’t avoid as much as we try and how love goes beyond it and heals.
It was an immediate yes to being a part of this production especially getting to work with a passionate, beloved team. It was an honour to get to play Mummy to such a rising star and work with equally passionate, talented cast and crew. This is a story that has to be told and I couldn’t think of a more poignant way to tell it.”
Sabina Lawton as Genie
Northamptonshire based Sabina Lawton was spotted during an open casting workshop led by Jennifer Wilson within the framework of the Mr Apple casting process. Impressed by her performance, she was chosen to portray Genie, marking her debut in short films.
“Mr Apple was an opportunity I never imagined I would get and there were different reasons why I wanted to be a part of it. I found my love for acting during my year 6 school play and I wanted to take it further, so when the chance came to audition for Mr Apple, I jumped at it.
Genie’s story really got to me, because my dad lost his mum when he was about the same age, so it felt like a really personal story to me and I hope that came through in my performance.
To be honest though, more than anything, I wanted to have an adventure and experience something that most little girls never will, to appear in a film. It’s something i’ll be forever grateful for.”
Matt Wycliffe as Dad
Matt Wycliffe, a multi-talented individual with credits in acting, music, and singing, portrayed Bob Gaudio in Jersey Boys at the Prince Edward Theatre. He's equally recognised for his depiction of Buddy in the Buddy Holly Story at the Duchess Theatre. This is his first short film.
“I got sent the script and literally read it before breakfast and couldnt put it down. We all face loss in our lives at somepoint. Loss of our parents, partners or loved ones and dealing with this grief is hard and we all cope with it in different ways. The story of Mr Apple shows the different ways in which a mother, daughter and father deal with the torrent of emotions that come from losing someone to cancer (or being lost to cancer) and the aftermath that ensues.
I wanted to play the part of the Dad because there were so many little moments in the script that resonated with me and I felt that it was a really important story to tell. I think people need storys like Mr Apple in order to feel a sense of peace in the wake of tragedy. It’s a parable that illustrates emotional healing and reminds us that in the end, even after the largest of losses, all will be well. I really enjoyed the whole process, although I may have used up all my tears during the filming!”