Bookish star Polly Walker on show’s ‘lavender marriage’: “There are a lot of sexless marriages”

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What’s the view from your sofa?

Our living space features a large television and a comfortable couch. I often relax on it while enjoying some TV time, usually accompanied by my beloved pet or my partner, the talented actor Laurence Penry-Jones.

What programmes do you like to watch?

Growing up, I was taught to keep the TV off until 6 pm, as it was important to be productive during the day. However, I enjoy binge-watching popular dramas like The White Lotus when they become trendy. On my own accord, I find myself drawn to documentaries, with a recent favorite being about the Titan submersible disaster. Despite the temptation – particularly while traveling for work – to stay ahead of Laurence in series, I usually wait. Watching shows together with others is more enjoyable for me.

When you’re watching murder mysteries, do you always try to guess whodunnit?

Indeed, it’s often my inclination to believe I have things figured out, and I don’t hesitate to express my suspicions boldly. With all the screenplays I’ve read, I’ve picked up on certain patterns, yet my accuracy is around 50%.

Yes, I often feel confident about what I think, and I share my ideas openly from the start. After reading lots of scripts, I can sense a familiar structure, but I guess right half the time.

Did you try to solve the case when you read the scripts for Bookish?

Absolutely! At first, I found them more like a captivating narrative, focusing on the characters, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Mark Gatiss’s writing style is ingenious, much like him, and it’s concise, swift, amusing, and insightful. He has an exceptional talent for spotting the absurd. Initially, I requested Laurence to read it to get his perspective, but he only made it through ten pages before commenting, “I don’t want to spoil it for myself.

As a dedicated admirer, I find the dynamic between Gabriel Book, portrayed by Mark Gatiss, and his character Trottie intriguing. In a time when homosexuality was criminalized, their “lavender marriage” served as a practical solution. I ponder over the depth of their relationship, the unspoken understanding, and the emotional bonds that may have transcended societal norms, making it more than just a convenient arrangement.

This approach might seem unusual, but as she puts it, it’s effective. It’s a mutually advantageous arrangement rooted in sincere friendship and affection between two individuals who have been friends since childhood. It serves as a shield for them both. Many marriages lack sexual intimacy, and I view this situation similarly: she is accepting, impartial, and desires his happiness. He feels the same way about her, not pressuring her regarding her personal activities.

Is “Bookish” based on the days following World War II? Were you familiar with that era?

Books play a central role in the drama. Are you a book lover?

Indeed, however, I should clarify that my reading skills aren’t particularly strong. Growing up, I admired children who had read The Lord of the Rings at ten years old, while I was engrossed in Mandy comics. You’ll find a stack of books by my bedside, with The Light Years by Elizabeth Jane Howard on top. I also have quite an affinity for cookbooks and frequently purchase them.

You also appear in Bridgerton – has its huge success helped you get the pick of the best roles?

In simpler terms, while Bridgerton has simplified certain aspects for me, I tend to steer clear of the complexities that come with acting politics. What truly matters to me are my family and personal life, which are equally, if not more, significant.

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2025-07-22 03:04