The Ingenious Arya Stark Disguise in Game of Thrones S6 Finale: Sabrina Lois Bartlett's Role

In the epic finale of Game of Thrones Season 6, the audience was presented with a standout moment of ingenuity and suspense that brought a beloved character to a new twist: the servant girl at the Frey Banquet who turned out to be the disguised Arya Stark. This article delves into the role of Sabrina Lois Bartlett, who played an integral part in this pivotal scene, and her journey in the entertainment industry.

Who is Sabrina Lois Bartlett?

Sabrina Lois Bartlett is an English actress known for her wide range of roles in television and film. Born in Fulham and raised in Walham Grove, Bartlett comes from a family with a rich artistic background. Her parents, Stephen and Sharon, are both artists, meaning that artistic talent runs in the family. Alongside her siblings who are also six in number, she grew up in an environment that nurtured creativity.

Before diving headfirst into acting, Bartlett faced some challenges, including a dyspraxia diagnosis. This hurdle didn’t deter her; instead, she took up ballet to improve her coordination. Her dedication paid off, and she eventually attended Tring Park School for the Performing Arts in Hertfordshire and subsequently localized her skills at the Guildford School of Acting, graduating with her BFA in Acting in 2013.

A Career Spanning Several Genres

Bartlett’s illustrious career began with a feature in The Passing Bells, a BBC One World War I drama in 2014. Since then, her roles have been diverse and multilayered, showcasing her range and versatility.

The Passing Bells (2014): Her first major role in a TV series, part of a war drama that earned her recognition. Victoria (2019): A recurring role as Abigail Turner in ITV’s historical drama. Knightfall (2017): Starring as Princess Isabella in the first season of this History series. Bridgerton (2020): Appearing as Siena Rosso, an opera singer with a clandestine relationship. The Larkins (2021): Portraying Mariette, the eldest of the Larkins children until the character was replaced in the second series for Joelle Rae.

While known for her role as the young Arya Stark, which entailed hidden acting scenes, Bartlett’s insertion in Game of Thrones was a significant moment. This happens in the sixth season finale, The Winds of Winter.

A Key Element of Surprise

Within the context of Game of Thrones, Arya Stark had to take revenge on House Frey for their role in the Red Wedding—a notorious betrayal that caused the destruction of her family. Arya decided to use her skills learned from the Faceless Men to disguise herself as a servant. The role of the servant girl was entrusted to Sabrina Bartlett, adding to the dramatic impact of the scene.

The scene is both tense and symbolic as the servant girl, who is actually Arya Stark, serves Frey a pie made from the flesh of his sons. The impassive mask the girl wears adds to the shock value when she discloses her true identity as Arya. This moment marks a significant moment in Arya's journey, showcasing her transformation into a formidable assassin.

The choice of Sabrina Bartlett was strategic. Her portrayal of the servant girl was crucial in maintaining the element of surprise for the audience. Her credible acting helped build the tension and added a layer of believability to the disguise, making the reveal all the more shocking.

Conclusion

Sabrina Lois Bartlett's role in Game of Thrones stood out as a milestone in her career, showcasing her profound acting abilities and adding a new layer to the already rich tapestry of characters in Westeros. From her early endeavors in The Passing Bells to her inspiring contribution to Bridgerton, as well as her significant appearance in Game of Thrones, Bartlett continues to prove her worth in the entertainment industry.