Billie Piper looked strikingly different as she debuted darker hair at a gala screening of Elsinore during the Savannah Film Festival.The 44-year-old actress ditched her blonde hair for raven locks as she stepped onto the red carpet on Thursday.For the occasion, Billie turned heads in a red ribbon-embellished jacket and skirt designed by the brand Lurline.She added inches to her frame with black heels adorned with gold lace at the point and dazzling jewellery. Following the screening, Billie was honoured with the Marquee Award during an Award Presentation. Accepting the gong, she said: ‘You need to keep engaging in life.’ Billie Piper looked strikingly different as she debuted darker hair at a gala screening of Elsinore during Savannah Film Festival (pictured left at the gala and right, last year) The actress, 44, ditched her light copper hair for raven locks as she stepped out on the red carpet on ThursdayThe actress continued: ‘That’s as much part of the job as being on the set, because if you’re just on the set all the time, or in the theater… you’re not experiencing the world of observation.’That’s where you’re going to learn how to play every version of humanity you want to be.’Elsinore is a drama based on the true story of Ian Charleson, the Scottish actor best known for Chariots of Fire.The film focuses on 1989, when Charleson took over the role of Hamlet at the National Theatre after Daniel Day-Lewis withdrew.Charleson was already seriously ill with Aids, and knew that playing Hamlet – one of the most physically and emotionally demanding roles in theatre – could accelerate his decline.Andrew Scott is apparently the standout star in the show and The Guardian has already singled out his performance as potentially Oscar-worthy.Billie plays Patsy, a close friend and colleague of Charleson who works as a casting director, bringing him the opportunity to take over as Hamlet.Earlier this month, Billie was the picture of elegance in a kooky ensemble as she attended the Variety London Film Festival Dinner held at London’s Soho Mews House. Following the screening, Billie was honoured with the Marquee Award during an Award Presentiation Accepting the gong, she said: ‘You need to keep engaging in life’ Earlier this month, Billie was the picture of elegance in a kooky ensemble as she attended the Variety London Film Festival Dinner held with Gemma Chan, 43The actress slipped into a furry strapless dress teamed with a huge, wide-brimmed black hat for the event, where she mingled with the likes of fellow thespian Gemma Chan, 43.Billie teamed her cosy, shimmering gown with a pair of pointed black heels and a coordinating black clutch, rounding off her ensemble with diamond drop earrings and purple eyeliner.Gemma, meanwhile, stunned in a champagne halterneck dress with tassel detailing, teaming this with matching heels.The women were in great spirits as they posed for snaps before taking their seats for the meal, with Gemma seen chatting to actor George Mackay.Prior to this, she wowed in dramatic make-up and a statement gown at the British Film Institute London Film Festival opening night.Billie pulled out the stops for the screening of new film Elsinore, wearing a black and white Emilia Wickstead gown with leather gloves and a pointed black heel.Adding further drama to her look, the Scoop star wore a heavy grey eye make-up look with plenty of liner, with her blonde hair slicked back.The beauty larked about with Elsinore co-stars Andrew Scott and Olivia Colman, with the trio holding hands, laughing and helping each other with their outfits.The event kicked off the film festival, which began on October 7 and ran until Sunday, October 18 and is hosted across various London cinemas.