"Oh, I have to say Romana; she was much more fun to do but I did enjoy the Princess when she was turning bad"

Lalla Ward’s reflection reveals a nuanced perspective on her experiences as an actress, especially when comparing roles that demanded different facets of her creative engagement. By expressing a clear preference for the character of Romana, she emphasizes the joy and fulfillment she found in portraying that role. Describing Romana as “much more fun to do,” Ward suggests that the character offered her greater scope for personal expression, perhaps because of Romana’s agency, wit, and active participation in the narrative. Romana, as a companion in Doctor Who, embodies intelligence, resourcefulness, and a playful spirit, qualities that likely allowed Ward more improvisation and intellectual engagement as an actor, resulting in a more enjoyable and liberating performance.

However, Ward’s comment on “the Princess when she was turning bad” points towards The Princess Astra, another character she portrayed on Doctor Who. She expresses enjoyment in this role particularly as Astra underwent a transformation towards villainy or moral ambiguity. This specific enjoyment highlights how actors often relish the complexity and depth offered by characters who evolve, especially when innocence or purity is destabilized by darker motivations or inner conflicts. Playing a character "turning bad" provides an actor with dynamic challenges: exploring shifting loyalties, discovering hidden motivations, and conveying internal struggles. Such transitions demand subtlety and offer moments of emotional intensity, which can be rewarding and memorable for a performer.

Ward’s comments demonstrate her appreciation for roles that allow her to explore both the comedic and the dark sides of a character. The contrast between Romana’s entertaining, lively qualities and Astra’s descent into ambiguity underscores an actor’s desire for both amusement and dramatic exploration. Ultimately, Ward’s remarks show how the opportunity to inhabit different shades of character on screen brings depth and satisfaction to the craft of acting, with the most cherished roles presenting opportunities for both fun and emotional complexity.