As a black actress who started her career in the 1980s, I’ve had my fair share of struggles in the industry. I remember my first screen role on EastEnders, where I was cast as a nurse, and every time a character was shoved down the stairs, I’d be called in. It felt like a never-ending cycle of poverty and dependency on the show for my income.
Add McDonald and Dodds to your watchlist.
In the fourth installment of McDonald and Dodds, Bath’s top detective duo, portrayed by Tala Gouveia and Jason Watkins, encounter a fresh batch of intriguing cases. These three extended episodes present the pair with the enigma of a 1930s blues artist, a powerful crime boss, and wedding celebrations where the best man’s speech turns out to be the least of the couples’ concerns.
CHILDHOOD
You both grew up in the Midlands, didn’t you?
Gouveia: Yes, I’m from Nottingham. We forget all these things we have in common!
I hail from the quaint little village of Albrighton, nestled snugly in the outskirts of Wolverhampton. As for yourself, when did you make the big move to the bustling heart of London? It’s quite a leap, isn’t it? The city holds its own allure and charm, but there’s something special about growing up in a close-knit community like mine.
Gouveia: When I was eight [Jason nods his head slowly in agreement]. Weird.
Do you remember your first impressions of London?
Gouveia: I was no longer permitted to play outside on the streets, and I’m not sure if it was because London had become more dangerous. Previously, I had enjoyed a great deal of freedom to socialize with my friends. Our family relocated to Willesden Green and later to Ealing, which is where Jason had grown up.
When I was young, our family relocated to Isleworth due to my father’s employment in Hammersmith. As we traveled along Archway Road, which boasts an impressive perspective of London, I recall distinct instances where the moon assumed a fiery hue during twilight hours. The sight was reminiscent of a science fiction thriller.
Was it tricky, settling into new schools, being “northerners”?
Gouveia shared that his first school experience wasn’t pleasant as children would tease him for pronouncing words like “bath” and “path” differently. To fit in, he adjusted his accent. Later on, when he returned to Nottingham to see friends, they corrected him, saying there is no “r” in words like “bath” and “path.”
Watkins: I enjoyed my time at school, yet I endured some bullying – perhaps explaining why I participated extensively in sports to gain respect.
Did your parents encourage you to pursue a career in acting?
Gouveia: Growing up, my parents were actors, yet Mum maintained a firm rule, preventing me from pursuing child acting roles. Instead, I attended workshops and classes as preparation, but it wasn’t until I turned 18 that I was given the opportunity to act professionally at drama school.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have parents with diverse backgrounds. My mum was a dedicated teacher, pouring her heart and soul into shaping young minds, while my dad was a metallurgist, working in factories and laboratories to transform raw materials into something valuable. However, an intriguing tidbit about my dad was his hidden desire to be a dancer. I can’t help but wonder what could have been if he had pursued that passion instead. He wasn’t unlike Dodds, with his quiet strength and resilience.
Gouveia: I did that!
What’s your earliest memory of performing?
Regarding Watkins: A few images exist of him with his past self, working in a garden. However, what he recalls from that experience is feeling bashful and engaging in a game of soccer instead.
When someone gifted a tiny stage to my mother in our Nottingham garden before I moved to London, I took advantage of it before my departure. I put on a heartfelt rendition of “So Long, Farewell” from “The Sound of Music” for all my friends gathered around, who were kind enough to watch.
DRAMA SCHOOL
Why did you study drama?
As a seasoned actor with a deep connection to the world of British television, I’ve been deeply influenced by the captivating plays produced by the BBC. One particular production that left a lasting impact on me was a play aired on BBC2’s “Playhouse,” titled “The Man Who Almost Knew Eamonn Andrews.” This intriguing piece followed the story of an insatiably fame-hungry man who went to great lengths to deceive former “This Is Your Life” host, Eamonn Andrews, into believing he was someone of importance.
Gouveia admitted with sincerity that the reason was Bristol Old Vic being an excellent drama school, which he was thrilled to have been accepted into. He was particularly glad to leave behind the hustle and bustle of London.
What were your peer groups like?
Gouveia: We have a WhatsApp group yet! At some point in school, you may excel as the top student in your class. However, at drama school, everyone seems exceptionally talented. I was taken aback, thinking, “Impressive! Time to put in more effort!”
At the event, there was a nice representation of various backgrounds, socio-economic statuses, and life experiences. While some attendees held degrees from universities, others, including myself, joined directly from their previous engagements.
Was it overwhelming to be surrounded by such talent?
Gouveia: Drama school didn’t overwhelm me, it left me feeling exhausted. Unlike my friends who were in university with just a couple of hours of classes per week, drama school required my attendance from 8am to 6pm. The days were grueling but provided valuable experience for film sets.
As someone who has had the privilege of growing up in a nurturing environment like Rada during its formative years, I can honestly say that my experiences there were nothing short of magical. It was as if I had stepped into a candy store filled with all the most delectable teachings one could ask for. The mystical aspects of our training, such as learning to create an aura and commanding respect with a formal voice or a regal gait, added a certain enchantment to our daily lives. And who could forget the ballet classes that honed our grace and poise?
Would we know any of your peers?
Gouveia: Shazad Latif and Tom Weston-Jones – Theo James was in the year above.
Jane Horrocks, Neil Dudgeon, Wayne Foskett, Iain Glen, Ralph Fiennes, Peter Gunn, Claire Hackett, and Imogen Stubbs make up this list of actors.
All in the same year?
Watkins: Yeah – we were good!
FIRST TV JOB
Both of you had your first screen roles on EastEnders…
I was the nurse, Nurse Green, who was frequently needed when a character fell down the stairs on “EastEnders”. The show would contact me right when I was running low on funds.
Watkins: I portrayed Gerry Fairweather, embodying the materialistic wave of 1987. He was an irritating stockbroker, flaunting a Porsche, a Psion Organizer, and a mobile phone, who frequented The Dagmar. Angie Watts, played by Anita Dobson, who served there, hit me and declared, “I’m quitting and I’m not coming back.”
As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve often pondered over the challenge of breaking into the film industry despite not fitting the conventional mold of how casting directors perceive actors should look.
Gouveia: Yes, I acknowledge that. The majority of individuals who were given opportunities before me were fair-skinned and tall, much like sticks. I was prepared for this as I grew up watching television, where I could only aspire to the role of the supportive friend. Occasionally, you’d land a lead in an ensemble production, such as Antonia Thomas in “Misfits,” but it wasn’t as common as it is today with more diverse leads. During my time between drama school and leaving, there were more representations of Brummies and northerners on television due to the demand for authentic accents. I could sense a shift was coming, so I had to be patient and maintain hope, or else I wouldn’t have made it this far.
Based on my observation and interpretation of Watkins’ statement, it seems that he has had a rich and diverse acting career. He started out by taking on various characters in stage productions and later made a smooth transition into television, where he played quirky roles with different types and accents. Now, he has reached the point where he can embody leading characters. His journey in the world of acting has been marked by versatility and adaptability, allowing him to bring unique and engaging performances to life on both the stage and screen.
McDONALD AND DODDS AND BEYOND
How were you both cast?
As a movie enthusiast, I went through the casting process and had chemistry readings with several individuals. Among them, Tala truly shone. I offered her some guidance during our session.
Gouveia: The first and last time!
Tala: I could tell she nailed it during the audition! I wanted to capture various takes for the executives by filming multiple versions.
What are your ambitions for the series?
Gouveia: It’s exciting now that we’ve established the format for our new series. We like to shake things up a bit by bringing in fresh and enthusiastic directors.
Watkins: The increasing scale and having big stars playing great characters is exciting. Our lovely relationship should always evolve and be stretched by the material.
What do you think the perfect role for each other would be?
Gouveia: Creepy with comedy for you. A creepy clown.
Watkins: I can see you running a show and not having to deal with me!
Gouveia: I’d love to run a show, but I have to write one first…
Watkins: Well, just kill me in McDonald and Dodds and it’s yours!
Series four of McDonald and Dodds starts on Sunday. The first three are available on ITVX now.
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2024-07-18 22:51