Looking for new shows to stream on BBC iPlayer? Try it roadis an all-new diabolical and entertaining three-part drama about the Driscoll family, an ordinary family forced to flee the country due to civil war. We spoke to Sophie Melville, who plays the Driscoll family’s daughter Thea, to get the inside scoop.
Interview: About the work starring Sophie Melville roadBBC
© The Other Richard; Hair & Makeup, Sam Cooper.
Hello Sophie, how is your life now?
Hello, everything is going well, thank you, I took a little break after finishing it. cowboa Since I was in Stratford-upon-Avon, I’m in Wales and spend most of my days at the beach and hot pod yoga. This yoga is two of my most favorite things to do.
You’re set to star in a new BBC drama road – Can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?
The story follows the Driscoll family, an ordinary family living in Port Talbot, who are caught up in an extraordinary chain of events. Riots break out in the town and escalate into a civil uprising, forcing the Driscoll family to flee for safety.
How would you describe your personality?
I play Thea, the daughter of the family. She is a natural leader, fierce and loyal. She is a sergeant with South Wales Police, but she sometimes struggles to separate her work and life, which causes friction in her family.
What was it like playing her?
We had the most wonderful time. She feels so lucky to play that role because she is a force to be reckoned with. I got to do a lot of the driving scenes and action scenes that I love. Thea is also very blunt and ferocious, so I had a lot of fun playing her.
How did you get into the role and prepare for the role?
We did some really helpful prep work with Michael before filming, did a lot of backstory work on the characters and their relationships, and did some improvisation to build the family dynamics.
Do you have any interesting stories from rehearsals or filming?
We were shooting on the beach in Barry on the hottest day of the year, the beach was full of people sunbathing and having a good time, and we were all dressed up in coats and formal attire. Ta.it was roasting. We were trying to shoot a really emotional scene, and people on stand-up paddleboards kept streaming into the shot. It was very interesting.
What is the dynamic of the cast?
We instantly felt like a family, which helped a lot, so everyone who came was sucked into our dynamic. I pinched myself every day that I got to work with such wonderful people that I loved so much.
Who was your favorite person to work with?
Callum and I are really mischievous and we feel like brother and sister in real life, so it was a lot of fun. Mari is very protective and generous so she felt really safe working with her and Stefan questions her work appropriately so she learned a lot from him.
Sophie plays Thea Driscoll road. © BBC/Red Seam/Sanne Gault
Have you been working on RSC lately? cowboa. Can you tell me a little bit about that?
cowboa The film tells the story of a sleepy, repressed town in the Wild West, visited by a sexy trans-masculine thief who sparks a gender revolution. It’s a celebration of queer joy with a predominantly queer and trans cast. I’m very proud to have been a part of it.
Are there any memorable moments from rehearsals or performances?
There was a gunfight on stage, kids and water were flying around, so we made a lot of mistakes and ended up laughing so hard that Vinnie Heaven and I both fell in the face.
You are probably best known for starring in the films Sprott’s Iphigeniawas revived last year. But what has been your favorite project so far?
Well, I’ve been primarily doing theater for the last 10 years, so I usually say, “I’ve been doing theater for the last 10 years. Iphigenia, but road It really changed my mind. It was my biggest film job, so I was able to really immerse myself in it and never wanted it to end. The cast and staff were great, and I loved them all.
Who is your favorite actor you have worked with in the past?
Emma Pallant is one of the most generous people I’ve ever been on stage with.she plays sally ann cowboa And she is exceptional. Also, Finty Williams is a real saint.
Which co-star did you learn the most from?
Stefan Rodri taught me a lot about taking space and taking time. He questions everything and is really detailed in his work.
What is your dream role?
My dream is a role that requires me to be in top physical condition. You want to train and fight in preparation for your character. Come on, universe.
What genre would you like to try more of?
I’m obsessed with Greek tragedy and think it’s one of the best stories. I also love contemporary works written by working class and queer authors.
Can you spend a lot of time at home?
They tend to either take a long time or not at all.
Do you live in a town or in the countryside? Which is better?
I’m split between London and Wales so I get the best of both worlds. I’m from Swansea so I need to see the sea as much as possible, but I also love the vibrancy of London. I think both are necessary.
What is your interior design style?
I think it’s a perfect fusion of Scandinavian and bohemian. It has lots of plants, lots of crystals, and some nice rugs, but it’s also very simple.
How do you balance your personal and professional life?
When you’re an actor, it’s basically impossible to plan things out, so in that sense it can sometimes be unbalanced. I rely so much on exercise to keep me grounded. I feel pretty balanced if I can exercise most mornings.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up working class, I never had aspirations for a career because I didn’t think it was something I could actually achieve. So I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I was inspired to try acting by a wonderful woman named Viv Buckley, and that’s where I am today.
If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?
To have big dreams.
How can we all live a little better?
Be kind and practice gratitude.
© The Other Richard; Hair & Makeup, Sam Cooper.
Sophie Melville recommends…
Currently watching… men up
What I’m reading is… small world Written by Caleb Asma
The last thing I saw (and loved) was… time
What I’m most looking forward to is… Plenary Brin
My favorite movie of all time… aquarium Written by Andrea Arnold
My all time favorite song… Fleetwood Mac’s “Big Love”
Bands/singers that I always repeat… stevie wonder
My ultimate cultural recommendation… A bilingual drama entirely in Welsh. they are great.
Cultural guilt… great british bake off.
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Starring Sophie Melville roadavailable to watch in its entirety on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Monday 19th February. road Episodes will air weekly on Monday 19 February at 9pm on BBC One.