Sherwood star Monica Dolan breaks down ‘complex, intriguing’ character

As a fan who’s been enthralled by the gritty realism of British dramas since my days watching “This is England” and “The Last Kingdom,” I can’t help but feel a thrill of anticipation with the upcoming season of Sherwood. The character of Ann Branson, portrayed brilliantly by Monica Dolan, is one that promises to keep me hooked. With her background in a drugs cartel and the complex web she weaves, there’s no telling what twists and turns this matriarch will take us on.


As a long-time fan of the Sherwood series, I’m genuinely excited about the upcoming season. Having followed the twists and turns of the storyline for years, I can’t wait to see how the two families become embroiled with the Sparrows. With my own family often entangled in unexpected situations, I find myself drawn to stories that explore the complexities of relationships and the consequences of our actions. The new season promises to deliver on both counts, and I’m eagerly anticipating this weekend’s premiere.

Among the characters intertwining with the criminal clan, I’m particularly intrigued by Ann Branson, portrayed skillfully by Monica Dolan. With her immediate family running a drug operation in Ashfield and a heart-wrenching incident causing waves within her own group, we can expect some significant developments from this powerful matriarch.

As a passionate cinephile, I couldn’t help but be captivated when I heard about my character in Sherwood. The BBC shared that the script, having read three episodes, felt akin to immersing myself in a George Eliot novel – it delves so profoundly into society. Each character is distinctively individual, with their own distinct voice, making the entire experience truly remarkable.

“I found Ann fascinating in terms of her personality. On one hand, she’s straightforward with clear motivations. Yet, the ways she navigates situations and influences others to achieve her goals can be intricately complex. She’s courageous, and if something seems off, she trusts her gut instinct.”

Dolan further elaborated: “As you go through the script, it’s essential to focus not only on what she says but also on what motivates her. A key point that director Clio Barnard and I discussed was her connection with her husband, Stephen Dillane.”

“I must say, their bond is profoundly evident – they’ve reached an unspoken understanding where she takes the helm effortlessly, and their interactions seem minimal yet profound. They function almost symbiotically, a testament to their unity, a fact not lost on them or anyone else observing.”

Regarding her personality and motivations, I had numerous conversations with James (Graham), Dolan explained further.

“She shows a strong sense of ownership towards drug cartels, and the disturbance in episode 1 sets off a chain reaction. However, it’s unclear whether her actions are more about territorial disputes or dealing with grief. It seems she might not even be aware of her true motivations herself.”

In the ensemble, Dolan is now part of fresh faces such as David Harewood (known for Homeland), Sharlene Whyte (from Small Axe), and Oliver Huntingdon (recognized from Happy Valley).

Indeed, some cherished figures will be back among the Sherwood family circle. Specifically, David Morrissey resumes his key character, Ian St Clair, while Lesley Manville takes up her role as Julie Jackson, and Lorraine Ashbourne reappears as Daphne Sparrow.

Unlike the initial season of the critically-acclaimed BBC drama that centered around the aftermath of the ’80s miners’ strikes, this latest season delves into the contemporary conflicts and simmering disputes beneath a small town’s serene exterior.

The second season delves deeper into the compelling topics that captured the hearts of viewers nationwide in the UK, as suggested by its formal summary.

“Taking place currently, it presents us with two fresh family dynamics who become embroiled with the Sparrows, navigating a tangled network of neighborhood gangs, age-old feuds, vengeance, and deceit.”

“Simultaneously, a freshly designated sheriff of Nottingham is fiercely opposing a planned mine in the region. This mine promises numerous job opportunities and wealth, yet it also evokes unwanted memories of the past that have plagued the community.”

The second season of Sherwood premieres over a special two-night event starting on Sunday, 25th August and continuing the next day, Monday, 26th August, both nights airing at 9pm. You can catch it on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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2024-08-24 23:34