James Norton on Playing Nice: ‘When I see injustice, I get really p****d off’

As I delve into the captivating world of Daniel Mays, a versatile actor who has graced both the small and big screens for over two decades, it becomes apparent that his journey is as intriguing as any story he portrays. Born and raised in London, Mays’s passion for acting was ignited at an early age, leading him to pursue a career in the arts.

The 39-year-old actor’s newest role is his toughest one yet, not necessarily in terms of acting range, but definitely in terms of responsibility. Kicking off 2025 with a boom, he will be starring in “Playing Nice,” a gripping psychological thriller adapted from the 2020 novel by JP Delaney. This project holds special significance as it’s the inaugural TV drama from Rabbit Track Pictures, the production company he co-founded with Kitty Kaletsky in 2019. As Norton explains, “It was the first book we optioned. We recognized its potential for a TV show and knew it was the kind of thing we wanted to produce – compelling characters, an irresistible hook, a true thriller.

When it comes to Rabbit Track’s creative mission, they prioritize compelling storytelling above all else. Since the projects they work on can take years to develop, they believe that if you don’t have an initial passion for it, success becomes unlikely. At first, they only focused on what they loved. Now, with 12 projects in development, there is a sense of continuity. They create high-quality drama with complex and relatable characters. Unlike traditional narratives, they avoid clearly defined heroes and villains, instead preferring to explore rich characters placed in extraordinary situations, testing their limits and challenging them.

That’s a spot-on description of Playing Nice, whose big questions are tailor-made for the watercooler (or group chat, if you work from home). How would you feel if your baby was accidentally swapped at birth, and you only found out three years later? Would you want your biological child back, or would you be too bonded to the child you thought was yours?

The predicament that journalist Pete (Norton) and his restaurateur spouse Maddie (Niamh Algar) find themselves in becomes entangled with those of businessman Miles (James McArdle) and his artist wife Lucy (Jessess Brown Findlay). Together, they are navigating a treacherous emotional landscape that every parent dreads.

The filming spanned across three months in Cornwall, and the four actors grew very close as they did. Weekends were often spent surfing together, making for an enjoyable and at times overly enjoyable experience.

Among the benefits of running your own production company is the ability to select your own actors. For Norton, this meant a long-awaited opportunity to collaborate with James McArdle, a fellow graduate from Rada. “That was an incredible phone call,” he reminisces, reliving the moment when he proposed the project to McArdle. “James is exceptional; he’s incredibly talented.

He only knew the others loosely, but says, “Jessie and Niamh were top of the list of people I admired, so to be able to bring everyone together was the best feeling. They’re all great actors who were firing on all cylinders. They came and they cared. A trust was formed early on that meant the scenes just fizzed. We had a great director in Kate Hewitt and a great script by Grace Ofori-Attah. When that alchemy hits, it’s the best job in the world.” Norton is equally full of praise for the child actors who played Theo and David, as well as the casting director, Fiona Weir. “One of the best in the business.”

You don’t have to be Inspector Clouseau to identify a theme running through Norton’s most recent work, Playing Nice having been preceded by Joy, the true story of the world’s first IVF baby, in which he plays scientist Robert Edwards. He’ll also be adapting Magpie, Elizabeth Day’s novel about fertility, for TV.

Currently, my character is being referred to as ‘Sad Dad’ by Kitty, and it does seem fitting, although I may not be playing a role that involves being a dad in most of our upcoming projects. However, I find myself surrounded by children quite often these days, even though I don’t have any of my own. And if you’re after high-stakes drama, there’s nothing like the unpredictability of kids.

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the poignant exploration of post-natal depression in this drama – a topic that Julianne Moore’s character portrays with heartbreaking authenticity. I believe it’s crucial to bring these untold stories to light more often, as they’ve been overlooked and underappreciated for far too long. Women’s health issues, including post-natal depression, have not received the attention or empathy they deserve in mainstream media.

“It’s a really horrible truth that male health is way more developed than women’s. It felt like a good opportunity to tell a story about someone who has gone through post-natal depression, and address some of the taboos around it.”

Initially, Norton was cast as Miles, the antagonist, but found himself drawn towards Pete instead. “Perhaps you might consider Pete less formidable, but when you portray someone who’s close to you in character, it presents a unique challenge. It involves deeper introspection. I spent considerable time pondering over him. Pete is an upbeat individual who sees the good in everyone. He’s optimistic. What intrigued me was the exploration of what it means to be a contemporary man, post-Me Too movement, with the endeavor to right the wrongs of the patriarchal past. Many men often misunderstand that our role should be about creating space, stepping back, and almost becoming passive.

Instead of pursuing a traditional career path, Pete has chosen a different route, prioritizing the care of Theo and becoming the primary caregiver. This decision is highly commendable, as I’ve seen others make the same choice, and I hold them in high regard. It’s a significant shift, one that may still carry some societal stigmas attached to it.

Pete initially decides to let things be, assuming that being a contemporary partner means giving his wife more room. However, he later understands that it’s also crucial for him to take action and assert himself. At times, this might involve tough discussions or even a bit of conflict. Given the existence of men like Miles, you can’t always be gentle. Sometimes, you need to be firm, even brash. A true modern man is a blend, and exploring the dynamics of contemporary masculinity was intriguing.

Norton believes that a compelling psychological thriller lies in sparking lively discussions. When a crowd gathers, divided on opinions about a character, it signifies success, as the storytelling has delved into the complexities of human nature, striking the core of what it means to be human.

In Pete’s position, I would undeniably respond differently due to my unique personality traits. As a generally composed person, I find myself becoming deeply enraged when faced with unfairness. With each passing year, it seems that my patience grows thinner and my tolerance for injustice dwindles. Instead of remaining silent, I express my thoughts and confront the issue head-on. This is a trait I’ve inherited from my family, as we are not prone to passive-aggressive behavior. While I’m not naturally confrontational, I have no qualms about voicing my opinions, perhaps at times to an excessive degree.

Following a cozy and traditional Christmas with family in Oxfordshire (filled with countryside strolls, hearty meals, and classic traditions), Norton concludes the year by spending a week at a peaceful Buddhist retreat in France. He finds this experience invigorating, smiling, “It’s challenging in a positive manner.” The retreat is semi-silent, and for the entire week, phones are turned off which he finds refreshing. New Year’s celebration there is extraordinary – with over 500 participants forming a large community, filled with meditation sessions and walks. It’s an emotionally stirring experience. He strongly suggests it as a way to start the new year.

Instead of facing the misery of a hangover, it’s much better for him, given his packed schedule in 2025 with roles in Heart of Darkness, King and Conqueror, House of Guinness, and his production work, that Norton keeps a clear mind.

2024-12-23 18:34

Read More