WHEN Nicola Roy was seventeen, she worked with the Lyceum Youth Theatre in Edinburgh in a play that was signal a life change.

The play was The Taming of the Shrew, and while Nicola had only half a dozen lines to perform in the 2002 production, it focused

“That was the show that affirmed any thought I had on becoming an actress,” she says. “I had a fantastic time.”

The memory resonates all the more right now because Nicola worked with actors Jimmy Chisholm, Steven McNicoll and director Tony Cownie in the production.

Now she’s back with the ‘dream team’ at Oran Mor, starring in Breaking The Ice.

The play, by Keiran Lynn and inspired by Dario Fo, is a political farce.

It tells of Frank Montgomery, a Chief Scientific Advisor to the Arctic Council who is in Alaska to deliver a speech that could change the (less) frozen world.

The only problem is he has spilt yoghurt on his suit, left his speech at the breakfast buffet and finds himself kidnapped by activists.

Can he make it to the podium in time?

“The play is laced with comedy as well as being political,” says Nicola,

“Frank is a scientist, but feels he’s in the wrong job. And somehow an awful lot goes wrong in making his speech to the Council.

“Along the way, he comes across some heightened characters, who try to influence him.”

The actress adds; “For me there are resonances with what was happening in Scotland at Referendum time. It’s all about different opinions on how the world can be changed for the better.

“The Arctic is in danger and the Council has to make decisions about its future. But it’s also a story about community, about the future.

Nicola plays four characters in the play. It’s a testimony to her talent producers know she’s more than capable.

“I’ve played multi-roles in a few plays,” she says. “I love the challenge of it all, and the chance to switch accents.

“I get to play the local waitress, a sweet girl, who is American, Alaskan in fact.”

She adds, grinning; “I’ve never been a waitress in real life, and I’d be rubbish at it. I’d either drop the food or spend my time talking to the customers.

“But I have done most of the actor-jobs, such as promo work, which lets me chat to people.”

Nicola also plays an Irish activist who is fighting for animal and environmental rights. “She gets carried away with her enthusiasm, shall we say, and she’s not very good at her job.

“I also play an executive, a strong woman who tries to buy Frank off. But I also play a US Marine, and for that I use a Deep South accent.

How will she manage to change into the characters?

“Some of the costumes will just be a hat,” she says, in thankful voice.

Stage veteran Jimmy Chisholm plays all the male roles, including a Professor. And it’s set this clever farce will be chaotic, but fun.

In recent times, Edinburgh-born Nicola appeared alongside Siobahn Redmond in Thon Man Moliere at the Lyceum.

“It was a privilege to work with Siobahn Redmond,” says the actress.

“I watched her play Miss Jean Brodie when I was twelve, and to work with her this summer was amazing.

“What I realised was she is very conscientious. She will arrive at the theatre two hours before curtain up, just so she can prepare.

“And I had a lot of scenes with her, so I could learn from her.”

Nicola adds, with clear delight in her voice; “Now, she’s my friend. She says I’m stuck with her, and that’s fantastic.”

Nicola is waiting to discover if she will be appearing in panto this year. And she’d love a non-glam role.

“I love panto, but I’m not really the Princess type. At Christmas time I’d rather play an Ugly Sister or a gobby wee girl. I prefer to have fun with the comedy roles.”

The lady certainly delights audiences with her comedy performances revealing great timing and a real sense of how to send herself up. Perhaps an unusual quality in an attractive actress.

“I just love having a laugh,” she says.

It’s guaranteed she will be doing just that at Oran Mor this week, given she’s back with her comedy chums, who also love to enjoy their work.”

“I think it will be a riot,” she says. “And it’s directed by Tony Cownie who really knows how to bring out the comedy in a show.”

• Breaking The Ice, Oran Mor, until Saturday.