Ruby Thomas is a name to watch. Not only is she beautiful, bright and gifted, but she’s also fiercely ambitious. KATHERINE MacALISTER talks to the Oxford University student, about to appear in A Streetcar Named Desire at Oxford Playhouse, about her recent roles in Lewis and Hollywood blockbuster Wild Child.

Ruby Thomas says she’s hopeless when she’s got nothing to do, which is why acting in a major play during her second year at Oxford University is a good thing.

“I work best when I’m manically busy,” she says. “I don’t like sitting around, and the university system is set up for students who like varsity sports or drama, so they can combine their hobbies with their work. It’s part of the fun, doing a million things at once.”

But Ruby’s acting is obviously far from a hobby. Her CV includes parts in Gunrush, The Bill, Lewis and Wild Child, the latter being a Hollywood blockbuster. So was it fun to film?

“The cast of girls hung out for the entire summer together, so it was a lot of fun to make,” the 19-year-old says.

And with a major film under her belt, all sorts of doors opened, including her part in Lewis (the one set in the astronomy tower, inset). Ruby says she filmed the episode before she’d won a place at Oxford University: “So spending time in Oxford only reiterated how much I wanted to go there “And the cast knows each other so well that it was great to be part of the team for a bit. And I love the way Lewis makes use of Oxford because it is such a beautiful setting.”

Now firmly ensconced in Regent’s Park College, where she gained a First in her initial year, studying English, Ruby also won the lead role in A Streetcar Named Desire (see competition right). “I didn’t expect to get the part,” she smiles. “So when I did I was surprised and nervous, but mainly nervous, because of my character Blanche’s accent, experience, emotions and the sheer volume of what she says. But I really like her, she appeals to me.”

As for the audition process, Ruby adds: “I think a lot of it’s luck. It’s about how you feel on the day and being in the right place at the right time.”

However, Ruby’s career so far would suggest different. Her mum found her an agent when she was just 13, and her first TV job aged 14. And Ruby says the experience has proved invaluable.

“I have been to a lot of auditions,” Ruby explains, “and that’s the nature of the business, which is quite strange when you’re young. But you get hardened to it and it’s a good thing in that respect by helping you work out whether you are the sort of person who can deal with it.

“Because auditions can really knock your confidence until you come to realise that it’s not soul-destroying and if you don’t get the part it’s nothing personal.”

As for combining her work with acting, Ruby isn’t remotely fazed.

“I’m keen to keep going and drama is the plan, but I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket. I also really love English. I love writing so I’m just as excited about that and I’m very fortunate to be studying what I want. Besides, I’ve never been able to do anything else. I’m a one-horse race. It’s English and drama all the way for me.”

* A Streetcar Named Desire is at Oxford Playhouse from November 17-20. Call the box office on 01865 305305.