An Open Book Productions and Moonage Pictures production for BBC One, The Pursuit Of Love is an adaptation of Nancy Mitford’s celebrated nov
What attracted you to the role of Lord Merlin?
Lord Merlin is a funny, inspiring, brave character. He’s audacious, free with his attitude towards love, life and sex and art. I think we need people like that. We are all concerned with saying the right thing. The real character that Merlin is based upon, Lord Bernard, is very unafraid and unabashed.
What was it like working with Emily?
She’s so special. She is the reason a lot of people are here and it’s been such a wonderful atmosphere. She’s such a wonderful actor but I’m blown away by how accomplished and sensitive she is. She’s the right person to be directing this story. I think sometimes what you can lack with directors is the disinterest in acting, but she loves acting as she’s such a good actress herself. I’m so excited for her. She’s also creating a visual world that’s completely unique. It’s a period drama but it’s sexy, not stuffy. It’s alive, filthy, heartbreaking. I love it! Her spirit is all over it.
Tell us about Merlin and Linda’s relationship.
We all have people in our lives who we meet at an impressionable age and we realise are a portal to a whole new world. He provides that for Linda and he notices a romantic nature and says she needs an education and interest in arts. He sort of loves her.
How was it filming under Covid-19 conditions?
Ironically I feel very safe on this set, because you know everyone has been tested. The crew did an incredible job; wearing masks all day and you have to make more of an effort as you can’t read people’s faces. Everyone was so thrilled to be back working. We were so lucky that we were one of the first back after the first lockdown.
Which character would you most relate to?
I would most relate to Linda. I think I have a romantic side but I do think romanticism is misunderstood. I think people respond to Nancy Mitford’s characters as people see themselves in them. You could see this as a period drama with posh people but these bright young things are celebrating life. We aren’t here long but it’s so easy to forget this in the pursuit of money. I love the fact they think life is a party.
Tell us about Lord Merlin’s incredible costumes.
Merlin’s costumes! Sinead has done an amazing job. Playing a character like this, he’s so fluid, with his art deco bangles. The 1930s is one of the most stylish periods of all time I think. With Merlin, I have been trying to understand his feminine and masculine fluidity and it's certainly relevant with queer politics and identity, where people feel they don’t have to identify as anything if they don’t want to. I think Merlin really would embrace it.
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