As a fan of gripping dramas, I can confidently say that Nightsleeper promises to be a captivating addition to the genre. What truly sets it apart is its immersive real-time storytelling and deep exploration of human relationships under pressure, which brings a sense of authenticity to the narrative. The characters are pushed to their limits, making mistakes along the way, but also demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity – much like how I navigate my own career in the entertainment industry!
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“I love to travel – just not on a train” – Joe Cole
The character you’re referring to, known as Joe, is actually a retired policeman attempting to thwart a speeding train that’s been manipulated remotely after a cyberattack. It appears the train is barreling through the United Kingdom. By any chance, was the footage captured on an actual train?
Instead of an actual train ride, we filmed scenes in a studio located in Glasgow. There, we found three train carriages arranged consecutively. Every morning at 8am, we’d hop onto one carriage, move around for several hours, take a lunch break, then switch to another carriage and repeat the process. Some actors experienced motion sickness and dizziness, making it difficult for them to look out of the window.
It looks incredibly realistic as the train heads south from Glasgow through different towns.
They had previously recorded the entire journey of the night sleeper train, which allowed them to display different cities on an LED screen based on the current time and location. This projection shone light onto our faces, enabling us to respond to it. It’s all cutting-edge technology.
Joe frequently talks for extended periods with Abby Aysgarth, a cyber security expert based in London, as he strives to halt the train. How can I generate an engaging dynamic between us when my fellow actor, Alexandra Roach, isn’t physically present?
Initially, Alex is an exceptional actress who could convincingly display chemistry with even a rock. However, I believe great actors can always generate chemistry. During the initial episode’s filming, Alex was reading her lines off-camera. Afterward, a skilled reader would take over, allowing me to listen through a device near my phone. This situation presented a unique challenge: deciding where to focus my attention. It added an element of fun, as opposed to just maintaining eye contact with someone.
Do you fear a cyber attack could happen in real life?
It’s true that I was abroad when this incident occurred, but I’ve learned that the NHS and certain parts of the transportation system experienced shutdowns this year. Given that, it seems reasonable to say that such events can occur due to cyber attacks, as they recently have been. Cyber warfare is becoming increasingly important in modern conflicts, with examples like influencing elections and manipulating people. We must remain vigilant.
Are you a fan of trains?
I’ve never ridden a sleeper train in the UK, and it seems this experience isn’t as positively portrayed as one might expect! Instead, I usually opt for the London Tube. It garners a few curious glances, but I don’t mind if people ask for a photo when they recognize me. However, having strangers take secret photos of me without my consent feels incredibly intrusive, so I no longer sit down. But overall, people are generally respectful and sweet. Perhaps my frequent portrayal of villains on screen contributes to this – people tend to keep their distance.
They would include John Shelby, in Peaky Blinders. How much of a game-changer was that role?
Having numerous roles has significantly boosted my career: “Black Mirror” was instrumental in demonstrating my versatility, while “Prayer before Dawn” added to that impression. Moreover, being associated with the popular series “Peaky Blinders” certainly hasn’t hindered my recognition or anonymity.
Is a movie adaptation of Peaky Blinders in production, but unfortunately, your character won’t feature since they were written out at the beginning of series four due to being killed off. Are you disappointed about this turn of events?
Indeed, I had a fantastic three-season run on “Peaky Blinders,” and those memories remain dear to me. Over the past few years, I’ve been busy with other projects, but when I step away from the show, I find myself appreciating its quality even more.
With work taking you away often, will you always live in London?
It will always be my base, but I’m a bit of a nomad, I love to travel. Just not on a train…
“It’s chilling – viewers will start cycling to work” – Alexandra Roach
In what ways does NightSleeper distinguish itself within the much-loved dramatic thriller category among viewers?
Experiencing events unfold in real-life fashion offers a deeply engaging experience. Moreover, the narrative is heavily centered around character dynamics, featuring interactions among train passengers and personnel at the intelligence center. Under pressure, people reveal their true selves, and since we’re witnessing them live, we see them pushed to their limits. Occasionally, they make good decisions, but more frequently, they falter. It all feels authentic and relatable.
How did you prepare to portray Abby Aysgarth, a former hacker now working in government cybersecurity?
I really like to immerse myself in a character. This community of hacking is everything to Abby, but it’s not to me. I’m amazed she goes through the whole series without saying, “Have you tried switching it off and on again?” It was hard learning all the tech jargon, the acronyms, the different departments, but I loved it. It’s a world I didn’t know anything about – I know a little bit more now, but I’m no expert.
As a result, do you feel more informed about the risk of a cyber attack on the UK?
Before, I was quite unaware. It’s surprisingly near than many might imagine. My on-screen persona possesses vast knowledge, and she avoids elevators. I haven’t taken it that far yet, but its influence is undeniable. The uncertainty about how close reality often mirrors possibility, I believe, will give the audience a sense of unease. Some spectators might even consider biking to work.
How does Abby fit into that world?
It’s remarkable how skilled she is at her job, yet as I delved deeper, it became apparent that the field is predominantly male-dominated. For Abby, a working-class girl from Swansea, reaching her current position requires determination, grit, and drive – qualities that make her stand out distinctly to me. She has a lot to accomplish to validate herself.
Do you relate to some of those aspects in your own career?
Abby encountered an enticing chance, and I couldn’t help but resonate with her situation in my past. I had never steered a BBC1 program previously, so I infused onto the screen the tension and thrill that I personally experienced.
Have there been any shifts or developments regarding the past instances where your Welsh accent may have influenced role selections, and if so, could you share them with us?
In the past, that event transpired. Given our current circumstances, it seemed significant to differentiate this character – to bring Abby over from Wales, to give her a robust Welsh accent and portray her as working class. It felt daring and subversive to place her within an environment of suits and government institutions. Despite her casual bomber jacket attire, she doesn’t seem to fit in that world, yet she’s capable of extraordinary feats.
Will you be using your Welsh accent more often in roles now?
It’s a case-by-case approach. When I auditioned for the role of young Margaret Thatcher in the 2011 film The Iron Lady, I attempted to mimic her well-known voice, but the director intervened saying, “Hold on!” They were more interested in capturing the heart of the character rather than just her voice or mannerisms. So, I peeled back all the layers, creating the character from within and outwardly. The voice was the final touch, the finishing detail.
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2024-09-11 15:34