No Offence Series 3 Interview: Lisa McGrillis

Lisa McGrillis is set to play one of your new favourite No Offence characters. It might be because you’ll love to hate Caroline McCoy or hate to love her. Why? Well, she’s a politician. “I’m a grass roots mayoral candidate, I’m up against a sea of grey when it comes to the other runners. Viv is an old friend of my mum who has passed away so Viv and Caroline have a close relationship of old. It’s quite an interesting dynamic when my character is running for Mayor and she’s with the chief of police and everything that goes with that.”

“She grew up in the same estate as Viv, the Cinderly estate, which is very working class and I think that she’s a voice to a generation. It’s a different community there now. People aren’t mixing, there’s two separate communities. She wants to make a positive change but with the values that she believes in. There’s more to Caroline than meets the eye, she’s got an agenda. She’s a very intelligent woman but people can relate to her. I think the audience will warm to her because she’s the underdog.”

Lisa insists McCoy isn’t based on anyone in particular “But I think Nicola Sturgeon is a great role model for women. She’s young, people can relate to her, she’s not in her sixties and she’s not a man! Caroline is really fresh and new so I did look a little bit at Nicola for reference because she doesn’t necessarily speak like a politician sometimes, she speaks like she could be a friend or a neighbour and that’s why people warm to her I think.”

What does Caroline bring to the show? “I love how headstrong she is. She’s a go-getter who gets what she wants and won’t stop until she gets it. I think that’s a brilliant quality. She really stands her own ground which is fun to play.  When she speaks everybody listens. When she walks into the room everyone stops.”

“The audience see her a lot in front of the camera. She always has her aides around her, cameras are flashing in her face so she’s always got a front on. Even in her make up, she also wears very bold and sharp clothes. There’s a lot of scenes where Caroline is on stage talking to the people, you see a lot of the campaign”. Andy Burnham need needn’t fret just yet though. “It’s made me think how politicians are always on display, having to say the right thing. They have to be so switched on all the time that it must be exhausting.”

Lisa is on a career high, fresh from two series of the smash hit BBC2 sitcom, Mum. “Claire Rushford has just come over to me a said “OMG Lisa, I have just realised that you play Kelly in Mum and I’ve been working with you for four months!” That’s possibly the best compliment ever!”

How different is it playing a politician in a big city from the smaller world that ditzy Kelly inhabits? “Caroline is in a different world to Kelly which is brilliant. It’s so lovely to play such a contrasting character after the success of Mum. It’s very easy to get typecast and this is the first job I’ve had since and it’s very different. Mum was a bit of a game changer, I have to say. It opened doors for me that were definitely shut before. It’s one of those jobs that don’t come along very often but when they do they certainly make a huge impact. We’re doing a third series which I think we start recording in September”.

Lisa actually has a bit of a past with her new show too. “I am a huge fan of No Offence, in fact I auditioned for the first series. I read for both Dinah and Joy. That’s going back about five years. Obviously it didn’t go my way but I then went on to watch it and completely loved it so when the opportunity came up again I was “YES! Get me in!” I probably did go in quite desperate!” Desperation? That’s perfect for playing a politician! Not long now until we cast our votes on Caroline McCoy. Truth be told, with her confidence she probably won’t need them anyway.

 

 

 

 

No Offence Series 3 Interview: Claire Rushbrook

Viv Deering has almost had as many bosses at Friday Street than Chelsea have had managers. Following in the footsteps of a Superintendant played by Colin Salmon and a DCI played by Sarah Solemani is acclaimed actress Claire Rushbrook in the role of Marylin Merchent. If you don’t know the name you’ll definitely recognise the face because she’s appeared in lots of fantastic television from My Mad Fat Diary to Linda Green and let’s not forget Spice World The Movie. What can we expect from this new form of authority in the show? “She follows the rules, she plays by the book. She’s pragmatic and proud to have to got where she’s got by doing so. At the same time she has a warmth and humanity about her. Shes professional and cool. She’s got no time for rule bending or anything that isn’t legit or straight up but it becomes interesting because demands are made of her as the series progresses so you see her loosening her black and white moral standards.”

How does Merchant, as a newcomer, deal with the dramatic events of the opening episode? “She deals with it in a cool, calm way, I’ve concentrated on keeping her compassionate . She’s got where she’s got by being cool, calm and level headed. She’s an outsider in that sort of respect. There is a lot at stake this series.” There sounds like there is more action this year, does Marylin get involved in any of it? “She remains upstairs so no stunts! I’ve got quite high heels so it might be a challenge!” So are we to take it that it’s not a job you would do for real? “Categorically not! It’s hardcore isn’t it. I have such respect for any one who does it.”

How does Viv react to Merchant? “Deering, whose track record isn’t quite as conventional has a slightly guarded response to this new boss coming in but they quickly find a common ground and mutual respect. It’s a cool but ultimately decent welcome from Deering”

What was it like to enter a well known show? “It’s intimidating because I’ve watched the show and I love the show and have long admired the brilliant cast and obviously Paul Abbot who I worked with a long time ago and have the upmost respect for. It was a big deal for me, the stakes are high and I knew playing a higher status character in terms of her rank takes a certain amount of confidence before going on set. Luckily though they were all absolutely charming and warm and welcoming so it’s a pleasure to have been invited to be a part of it.”

How was it working with Joanna Scanlan?  “She’s fantastic. I’ve long admired her work. We enjoy the fact that often we’re on the same casting lists. There’s been parts that both of us have been up for that one of us has got so it’s been a real pleasure to acknowledge that in a lot of ways we’re similar actresses and part of similar pieces. I have deep respect for her having watched her in previous series and acting with her on set. She makes it seem effortless but it’s such a skill to juggle the humour and the charisma. Having played supporting roles in a lot of dramas I really respect these guys that are relentlessly in every scene of every day and going home to analyse for tomorrow. I know it’s not working down a mine but it takes serious dedication. She’s fearless and bold and it takes bravery to give a performance like that because it’s quite intimidating stepping over the line of playing it safe. She goes that extra mile. She does all that and manages to maintain real warmth on set. It’s a happy place.” It shows too, Claire’s smile fills the room.

Has Merchant any secrets you’d like to divulge? “Well, I’ve got lots of secrets that I’ve made up in my mind about her! But what you see is what you get. It’s been enjoyable to play the understanding that Deering and Merchant come to share and the respect deepens. She can see that Deering’s brilliance is often the result of her going off piste and we see her softening a little in terms of recognising the merit of that. Does Merchant’s character strike any similarities to Viv? “I’d say there are beautiful similarities” she offers with a cheeky grin.

This is not Claire’s first first time filming in Manchester either: “I did Paul’s series Linda Green with Liza Tarbuck a long time ago and Stepford Wives was another drama. I did Touching Evil way back and I’ve seen him over the years but so glad to be back in his gang. Paul and the other writers are genuises, the comedy is so subtle. Some of the lines I’ve been given do make me smile but its a seductive trap to fall down to start hamming it up. Heaven forfend any of us start playing it for laughs because then you’re sunk!”

No Offence is a show dominated by charismatic, interesting multi-layerd women but what does Claire think of roles for women in television? “It’s getting better for sure, I’ve enjoyed watching so many female led stuff recently but there’s a long way to go. In No Offence we’re everywhere! That wasn’t the factor though, the draw was Paul asked me to do it and that was the thrill. His scripts are always fantastic. I don’t tend to read scripts with that political head on. I didn’t audition for it which is very flattering but in other ways quite hairy too. He talked to me very much with the understanding that he thought I could do it and that’s what I’m trying to do!”

“Paul writes so economically and with such personality. It’s so rich that the whole experience is on the hoof, the team are forever working on it. the joy is not knowing where your character goes and it not mattering because there’s a lot to get stuck into. Some episodes I’m in just a couple of scenes but there’s plenty to be playing with. I laugh my head off and then I’m horrified!”

Claire says her goodbyes, the beaming smile is gone and then we suddenly remember we’re sat in a portable canteen on the car park of a sports centre. Oh well. Knowing No Offence, we probably won’t see it much on screen but at least some of her lines will make us laugh!

 

 

 

TV Review: Line Of Duty, Series 3.2 (BBC2)

If there was a graph to register the jaw dropping moments in tonight’s episode then it would have recorded four extremely high, off the scale readings. It is notable that the severed head in a coolbox didn’t even even come close to episode two’s sensational peaks. Where do we start?

It has to be with the death of Danny Waldron in the opening minutes. Or ‘peak one’ as it’s otherwise known. Not only is it wonderful that this wasn’t another of those fake, quickly resolved cliffhangers but the sheer bravado of killing off the person everyone thought was the new lead this early on is beyond stunning. The way it was handled adds to the gravitas. There was no soaring music, just a view of DC Arnott’s face from the ambulance as the bleeping stopped and a voice says “Life extinct. 08.34”. It was so softly done yet had an impact capable of breaking twitter. Was Danny a bluff by Jed Mercurio? To some extent maybe but the bigger picture of his story might already be etched back in series one.

Just when it seemed to be going all Broadchurch 2 with two separate stories ( a current case and a trial) the cat is let out of the bag and suddenly a volte face towards the camera finds steely Keeley is back in the house. Or in this case prison cell.  That’s right, Lindsay Denton is back (‘peak two!) to mess with our collective consciousness again. It is frankly extraordinary that with all the hype that surrounds shows nowadays they kept the whole thing such a closely guarded secret, serving as a reminder in this spoiler obsessed world that the element of surprise must never be taken for granted. It turns out we are at her retrial and Arnott’s methods are in question, as is every bloody thing in this show.  To be critical, the court case literally came out of nowhere and its introduction felt clunky but the shock factor in the Denton reveal made it worth it. She’s soon playing the jury just as she did us two years ago, Hawes revelling in her all consuming shiftiness. Welcome back Lindsay – you wonderfully problematic creature you.

Peak three is the apparent suicide of Rod after his late night meeting with Hari. Could the family man really be on a murder spree? His world is unravelling as he seems to be paying for the “one mistake” he made. We don’t know what that mistake is yet? Or do we? Don’t worry if you’re not keeping up, there’s a lot to take in and the things we are supposed to take in usually serve as a red herring. Some lines that seem throaway are essential with regard to the plot. A facial expression is also worth its weight in gold. Take Dot’s wry smile as he’s told the Ronan Murphy file is a dead end. It’s wry for reasons we don’t know yet. Feck it. We don’t know anything. There’s plenty to ponder on Cottan alone. Why did he take the list from the envolope? What is his connection to Danny? Was he in the same football team as him? Was that Dot on the phone to Hari at the end? Will he finally be found out for the villain he is? How disrespectful is it to waste a good cup of tea? Then there’s the rest. Is there a peadophile ring connection going on?  What is Hari’s dark secret? And not just the one about him killing Waldron. Is he all set to be the main player this series? Did he kill Rod or was it really suicide? Is Kate’s line of questioning the most unsubtle ever undertaken by a plant? Will Denton find freedom? Is Arnott’s job on the line? Murphy’s dog turned out to be alive but whose going to look after it now? Has anyone else got a headache?

For peak four it is fitting that in this massive circle of deceit we end on Lindsay Denton alone in the cell rehearsing her lines as if she were an actor about to go on stage: “I had no prior knowledge of the operation to remove Tommy Hunter” Yes, Tommy Hunter. We are back there again. The camera closes in on that name as Dot burns the list. An unexpected full circle it may be but Line Of duty isn’t treading old ground, it’s heading in a straight line to classic TV status. 9/10

 

BEST LINES:

Steve: There’s evidence of prolonged torture. The cause of death isn’t clear.

Dot: Cutting his head off can’t have helped.

_ _ _ _

Hastings:  None of my people would plant evidence. They’d know I’d throw the book at them.. followed by the bookshelf”

Suspects: Episode 1 Review

SUSPECTS: EPISODE 1 REVIEW

The concept of anything original from Channel 5 is as novel as Ant and Dec swapping sides. Remember, this is the station full of American shows and lightweight reality dross. Suspects then is their first original drama in nine years (as to what that was, answers on a postcard please) and they have certainly been pushing the promotion hard. The premise being that this a new take on the cop show, shot documentary style and heavily improvised. The actors given pointers of what the scenes need to achieve but with no script and no prior knowledge of how the others will play their parts.

There is no character backstory or insight into their private lives. D.I Martha Bellamy (Fay Ripley) doesn’t have family troubles at home, D.S Jack Weston (Damien Molony) isn’t an alcoholic and D.C Charlie Steele (Clare-Hope Ashitety) didn’t forget to lock her front door this morning. They are 100% focused on the crime. It’s a brave move and one that might not pay off over time if the audience isn’t emotionally invested in the main cast. Presumably the viewers affections are asked to be placed with the supporting cast but that has its own difficulties if we don’t know who the innocent party are until the end. Time will tell if we learn more about our main protagonists. Curiously, all the other police officers are essentially resigned to being extras.

From the off there’s no messing about and the pacing is Suspects’ greatest strength. We are straight in to the crime scene where a two year old girl has been reported missing and we see a quick fire no nonsense against the clock approach to solving a crime without all the personal politics which feels refreshing on first viewing. We never see forensics at work or eye witnesses accounts. We just get their findings in the form of fingerprints, CCTV and photofit, although these all seemed to arrive very quickly assuming this was all taking place in a twenty four hour period.

In a time when dramas are so slick and polished the style as a whole is a revelation. There are moments they disappear off screen or into the dark and all you hear are voices and then there are moments that take you so close it’s akin to intrusion of personal space. When they’re in interrogation rooms they actually sound like they’re in interrogation rooms, the acoustics helping with the realistic atmosphere. The fly on the wall nature works best when following them around streets or pacing the office but the rocky camera work is a little overdone during static slow paced scenes.

The unrehearsed element is an interesting one but Fay Ripley seemed to struggle, you can see her mind whirring and the result was a lot of undramatic pauses punctuated with many “ums and ers”. It was a good impression of a police officer out of her deph (unless that was the intention). Ashitey is quick and on the ball but was given too little to work with so on this episode’s evidence (sorry) Molony is the main character – a quietly spoken but determined individual who gets the fun bits of chasing people and shouting at them. While to a lesser extent you can see his thinking process as well, he comes out with convincing dialogue and only a couple of lines seemed out of place. On that, it’d be fascinating to watch this without the hindsight of knowing about the lack of script and how different would our opinions be?

Gripping? Not necessarily but there was enough well executed twists to keep up the intrigue. Reportedly filmed in episode order, it’s a good solid start and should improve further once the actors have adapted more to the hurried ad lib nature of filming. 7/10