Aidan Turner in The Lieutenant of Inishmore

Aidan Turner as Padraic.  Photo: Johan Persson

I have long considered Aidan Turner to be a fine comic actor even though, in recent times, he has seldom had the chance to show off this skill. I am also a great admirer of the playwright Martin McDonagh, so you can imagine how thrilled I was when last November Michael Grandage Company announced Aidan had been cast in The Lieutenant of Inishmore.

Fast forward a few months and I'm here at the first preview of the play. The venue is pretty much sold out and I'm grateful for the air conditioning in this little Rococo theatre as I wait for the curtain to go up. I have some anxieties: people walked out of the show when it was first performed 17 years ago. But time has been kind to this play and the situation in Ireland has changed over the years. Now, for all the gore and violence, it is the comedy that comes to the fore. And, boy, is this play funny! Brutal but funny! The laughs come thick and fast throughout with just the occasional moment given for the audience to feel shocked by what they've witnessed before being bombarded by funny lines and ridiculous situations again. One of the things I like about McDonagh's plays is how economical they are. Nothing is mentioned that doesn't have some relevance at a later point and this really draws the audience in.

Aidan plays Mad Padraic, a terrorist deemed too violent for the IRA, whose only friend in the world is his cat, Wee Thomas. When Wee Thomas is knocked over on a lonely road, Padraic is determined to find out who is to blame.

Aidan Turner and Charlie Murphy
Photo: Johan Persson

While Aidan is clearly the star of the show, it is very much an ensemble piece and he's not being unduly modest when he says it feels strange to be the play's poster boy, "If I had my way we'd all be on the poster," he says, "I'm the title character but line for line, I don't know if I have the most dialogue. It's an ensemble." Certainly other characters have more time on stage than Padraic and all the cast deserve praise, particularly Chris Walley who plays Davey.

Much as the play relies on a strong cast to carry it off, Aidan clearly brings something special to the table. As soon as he walks on stage, I can see how at home he is. He fills the stage. Even when he's sitting quietly in the corner stroking his cat while the action goes on elsewhere, I find myself stealing the odd glance at him.

We see many sides of Padraic: now matter-of-fact, now murderous, now broken-hearted, now Wee Thomas's 'Daddy', now singing, now sexy, now angry, now very angry! And always mad!  As a very physical actor this role is ideal for Aidan as there is so much visual comedy: his facial expressions say as much as his words. His voice goes from business-like when he's torturing someone to quivering when he learns his puss-cat is ill. And he's good. He has terrific comic timing which is so essential in this fast paced play. Anyone who has him down as just a handsome man with a great chest must surely be having a rethink.

Aidan is clearly in his element on stage and this shines through his whole performance. This is a man having fun. Almost too much fun it turns out for at one point, during an execution scene, he begins to smile, then grin. Is he going to corpse? The audience starts giggling, part willing him to laugh, part wanting him to pull it back. And recover he does. After a few seconds he gets back into role and carries on with the scene, but he's given the audience a wonderful, shared moment that is oh-so-special.

Apart from that, the preview seems to go without a hitch, although my heart is in my mouth every time Padraic draws his guns from their holsters. Are they going to get stuck? It's surely an incident waiting to happen!

"Will it never end?" wails Davey (Chris Walley) as the situation in the show spirals out of control and I realise that this all-too-short play is nearing it's finale. I'm just not ready for it to finish but finish it does, to be met by a well-deserved standing ovation from the audience. Aidan looks over-the-moon at the reaction as he takes a bow, pleased and proud to be part of a terrific production.

With happy chatter all around me I make my way to the stage door in the hope that Aidan will come out to see the crowd.  After about twenty minutes he appears to the cheers of fans. He works his way along the barrier signing programmes, tickets and the play leaflets. (There is a notice up saying the cast will only sign show related material. The programmes are £4 each.) Aidan seems happy and, although signing at speed, constantly thanks people for their kind words. It seems to me that, this first night, everyone gets their programmes signed. When I go a week later to the matinee, Aidan comes out after about ten minutes and this time I'm aware that several people do not get autographs. I guess there's a lot of luck involved.

I can't recommend The Lieutenant of Inishmore enough. It is funny and witty and one of the best plays on in London right now. It also has to be an excellent career move for Aidan.

The Lieutenant of Inishmore is at the Noel Coward theatre until 8 September.  Tickets are available from Delfont Mackintosh with £10 front row seats available on the day. Catch it if you can!

Related link:
Aidan Turner on Stage

Poldark: The Tweetest Thing

Last night's episode of Poldark (episode 4) saw 1.9K Tweets posted in total, generating 731.6K impressions reports Kantar Media.

There was a flurry of activity ten minutes into the episode when the appearance of Geoffrey Charles (Louis Davison) baffled many viewers, but  #AidanTurner was still the most popular character/actor with 2.6% of Tweets mentioning him.

Related Links:
Tweet Poldark Tweet

Snippets from the BFI Q&A; for 'Poldark' Series Four

Deebie Horsfield, Aidan Turner and Karen Thrussell
Photo: Evie Bowman for Poldarked

Writer Debbie Horsfield, executive producer Karen Thrussell and Ross Poldark himself, Aidan Turner, made up the panel for the Poldark series four Q&A at the BFI last month. Here are some snippets from the evening:

• Asked his favourite line from all the series of Poldark Aidan squirmed, "I'm sitting beside the writer! That's so unfair!" But once the laughter had died down he said, "I just want to get the line right. There is a line when Ross and George are on the beach and they're looking out to sea and he says, 'Belief is a beautiful thing.' I do love that line," and we all clapped in agreement.

• Aidan feels Ross regrets his night with Elizabeth more than he regrets saving Hugh Armitage. He said, "If he'd known what was going to happen, I like to believe Ross still would have saved Hugh Armitage. It's hard to talk his way out of the other one though. It nearly ruined his marriage and it upset a lot of people so I think that's a huge life regret. I think it's incredible that they're still friends, Ross and Elizabeth. They've come back around which is great. It wasn't one of his finest moments though."

• Aidan and Eleanor sometimes race the horses across the beach after filming. He's very competitive but says Eleanor wins,"...all the time. She has a better horse, a faster horse. No. She is, actually, a very experienced rider. And she has the handicap of riding sidesaddle. It's really difficult to gallop a horse riding sidesaddle and she overtakes all the time. Seamus isn't happy about this either!"

• Does Aidan mind that we enjoy his shirtless scenes so much? "No I don't at all!" he said, then quipped, "Go for it!" to much laughter.

• The fifth series of Poldark was officially announced at the Q&A. Debbie said they are in discussions about how far they take the story in Series 5 but, obviously, they are not going to be able to fit five books into one series.

• Demelza doesn't have any new songs on series four.  Are we going to hear Ross sing? "Noooo. I'm not going to do that," laughs Aidan. "There was a carol in series four," Debbie reminds him, to which he asks, "Was there? Was it okay?"

• On Garrick Aidan said, "I do love him y'know. It's just that, it's something I shouldn't say here because people think I dislike this furry, little animal and he's gorgeous. But he's a working dog so you just don't get affection and he's hunting out for the treat all the time. He's a little bit snappy! He's a bit of a scene stealer. He's adorable. He's a lovely dog. He just works more than me!"

• Debbie writes Poldark at a treadmill desk. She walks about ten miles a day while she works!

• Aidan said he has to keep relatively fit just to fit into the costumes to which Karen quipped, "We make them super tight."

• On returning to the stage in Lieutenant of Inishmore Aidan said,"It's been a while. I'm slightly anxious but I'm excited to do it. I know a lot of the cast and I know Michael Grandage quite well. Yeah, I dunno. I'm just excited."

Here are some photos from the evening:

Aidan Turner

Luke Norris

Poldark's Back with a Splash!

A skirmish in Poldark series one, Ross being taken to gaol in series two and Elizabeth's horse bolting in series three. From the outset we're thrown straight into the drama with Poldark, so I can sense the audience anticipation mounting as the opening titles draw to a close, at the BFI preview screening of episode one, series four. Waiting with baited breath, the first scene fills the screen - and then the whole theatre erupts with laughter. That brilliant writer Debbie Horsfield has brought us straight back into Poldarkland and aren't we enjoying it? I'm not saying another word about the opening scene except to tease that Aidan Turner summed it up as 'pretty cold' and 'not pleasant, no, for a lot of reasons it wasn't pleasant.'

Of course, what we're all desperate to know is how are Ross (Aidan Turner) and Demelza (Eleanor Tomlinson) fairing after the shocking events of series two and three? There are some thoughtful scenes between them in this first episode or, as Aidan puts it, "They're finally talking! It's good." And their marriage?  "It's tricky for them both. Relationships are complex. It's interesting to have them talking as real people who love each other, who trust each other and can make it work." So how do their lives move on? "Ross starts to think of the possibilities of going to Westminster. It's an interesting time. Pitt has dissolved the government and there's a referendum. But in the end it's Demelza who really pushes him in that direction. She stays behind and is looking after the mine and the family while Ross goes off."

There are plenty of returning characters this series and some new ones too. Rebecca Front plays Lady Whitworth, the despicable Reverend Osborne Whitworth's (Christian Brassington) mother and Max Bennett is Monk Adderley, a new adversary for Ross. Debbie Horsfield says, "Monk Adderley is a real rogue and goes head to head with Ross. He's mates with George as well. He's the character lots of people will - I don't think 'enjoy' is the right word. He's a wonderful character." "He's a creep," chips in  Aidan to much laughter.

But the new characters are for the episodes to come. For now, Poldark concentrates on the familiar faces, reminding us of their stories. That's not to say there isn't plenty happening with Drake (Harry Richardson) and Sam (Tom York) at the centre of things and Ross called upon, once more, to speak up for the everyday man and woman.

Heida Reed and Jack Farthing as George and
 Elizabeth Warleggan. Photo: BBC

George Warleggan (Jack Farthing), of course,  is never far behind the troubles that befall Ross. Does Aidan still enjoy these scenes with Jack?  "Yeah, it's still fun. Myself and Jack get on very well so we work it through. I like it when it get's quite physical, actually. It's nice to roll around the room. His head in the fire was good!"

Elizabeth (Heida Reed) is there supporting George while Hugh (Josh Whitehouse) is standing for Parliament. Dwight (Luke Norris) and Caroline (Gabriella Wilde) have some happy news amid Morwenna's (Ellise Chappell) continuing desperate situation with Ossie. And then there's Prudie (Beatie Edney), who seems to be coming into her own with her interactions with Ross.

Debbie says she loves the new series. 'Series four, for me, has been very satisfying to write and to see it in it's execution. I'm really happy with it. There are some amazing story lines that take things to a new level.'   Sounds like we're in for a real treat!

Poldark returns to our screens in the UK at 9pm on Sunday 10 June, BBC One. 
Get ready to be Poldarked!

Poldark S4: Gabriella Wilde is Caroline Enys

Gabriella Wilde as Caroline in Poldark S3  Photo: FarFarAwaySite

Gabriella Wilde admits that this series of Poldark is the most challenging so far for her character, Caroline Enys.

‘This series is a dramatic rollercoaster for Caroline. Her relationship with Dwight goes through a lot of ups and downs. After suffering PTSD upon his return from France last series Dwight is now back to being himself again, so they are finally settled and happy. They start off by deciding to do something that Caroline is quite frightened of, but she takes the plunge and they take a huge step together. However, this ends in tragedy and it tears Caroline and Dwight apart. They have very different reactions and ways of coping with it. Caroline can’t be in Cornwall or around Dwight, she can’t face what has happened. She runs away to London and spends a large amount of the series trying to avoid her feelings but eventually she does begin to come to terms with everything, as heart breaking as it is.’

Gabriella has enjoyed playing out the evolvement of her character.

‘Caroline is ever changing; there are so many layers to her - what you see is not necessarily what you get with her. She is funny and witty and there was very much a light heartedness around her when we first met her in series two but as time has gone on she has revealed a compassion and kindness below it all and that is where her and Dwight connect. He is a deeply compassionate man but for him it is much more on the surface, he is a doctor and devotes himself to helping the poor which she certainly doesn’t do but he does see that side to her, behind all of the smoke and mirrors she puts up. If she remained solely sharp and controversial it wouldn’t be as truthful because people are not one-dimensional. As an actor it is a wonderful gift to be given a character who has a compelling storyline which allows for all of these layers of Caroline to be revealed in a very organic way.’

Gabriella divulges more on the difficulties facing Caroline and Dwight this series.

‘They overcome the worst tragedy a couple can but it is not a fairy-tale version, they struggle through it in their own ways. Dwight and Caroline have a real magnetism towards each other but they are very different creatures and when this happens they react completely differently. Caroline reacts in the only way she knows how to which is by running away and shutting down. That is not his practice at all. She is lucky because he is an incredibly good man and he doesn’t blame her, he sees behind what she is doing and why she has to do it and he waits for her, allowing her to go through her own process. Dwight is a man with great compassion and there is a deep understanding between them. Although they go through this incredibly difficult experience and she pretty much abandons him, he is still there for her.’

Gabriella explains why Caroline takes refuge in London.

‘London is probably where she has spent most of her life so one side of her is very much at home there, more so than in Cornwall. She is a dynamic woman with multiple sides to her and London represents the side of Caroline we haven’t seen since the second series, before she meets Dwight. She slips back into that rather guarded person very naturally. It is her default setting and her survival mode.’

However, a familiar face in London attempts to convince Caroline to face her pain rather than ignore it.

‘Ross (Aidan Turner) is almost slightly haunting Caroline whilst she is in London, he isn’t allowing her to escape this thing she has to face and go through. Underneath it all there is affection and an appreciation for Ross and what he is trying to do but at the same time, on the surface, whilst she does not want to deal with it, he is incredibly annoying and is a constant reminder of home and of what she is running from. The last thing she wants is to be reminded by someone like Ross who is quite direct. Caroline would usually manipulate people and talk around things but Ross doesn’t allow that, he knows her too well.’

Whilst in London, Caroline meets an unscrupulous character who is a new to Poldark this year and is intent on stirring up trouble.

‘Monk Adderley (Max Bennett) is a pretty interesting character who comes in and causes a big stir and quite a lot of problems amongst the characters. Caroline enjoys a bit of controversy going on around her so she enjoys a character being rather contentious and causing some drama. But of course, if anyone was to cross someone she is loyal to she would stand up for her friends and is there for them. He is antagonistic towards everyone and he is a man without morals.’

With the men in London causing trouble, Caroline’s friendship with Demelza is stronger than ever.

‘Caroline and Demelza’s friendship really goes from strength to strength and whilst they come from entirely different backgrounds there is a recognition between these two as self-sufficient, strong women who share a sense of humour. They are incredibly bright women in a world run by men so they like to show off their intelligence and play the people around them and get involved where they are probably not expected to.’

Gabriella tells us she enjoys playing a strong female role, written by a brilliant female writer, Debbie Horsfield.

‘It is very refreshing to play a feisty female character and although Poldark is the male lead, the women are doing all of the work behind the scenes and we get to see that. They are not pushovers by any means; they are the backbones. It is especially nice to be playing a female character who is written by a woman because she understands women so the detail to which the female characters in this show are written is spot on and so are the relationships between the women. Whilst this is a period drama, it is relevant to modern day life and modern women and the way those women operate within their marriages is all very relevant and that is down to Debbie being an incredibly smart woman and having the insight for that.’

Gabriella reveals what she is most eager for audiences to see this series.

‘On a visual level, I am excited for audiences to see London and the incredible sets for that. Due to the time period, there is also a change in the costumes and so the whole look of the drama has shifted this series. Even whilst we were filming it felt and looked different, so it is going to be quite thrilling to watch. On a more personal level I am excited for people to watch the journey of Caroline and that incredibly poignant story.’

Source: BBC Media Centre 

Aidan Turner Talks Poldark S4

Eleanor Tomlinson Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Max Bennett is Monk Adderley

Poldark S4: Rebecca Front is Lady Whitworth
Heida Reed is Elizabeth Warleggan
Jack Farthing Talks George Warleggan
Poldark S4: Luke Norris is Dwight Enys
Poldark S4: Christian Brassington Talks Reverend Osborne Whitworth
Poldark S4: Ellise Chappell is Morwenna Whitworth
Poldark S4: Harry Richardson is Drake Carne
Beatie Edney Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Tom York is Sam Carne
Poldark S4: Ciara Charteris is Emma Tregirls

Aidan Turner Talks Poldark Series Four

Aidan Turner Poldark S4

Ross Poldark embarks on a political journey to Westminster in the upcoming series of Poldark. Aidan Turner explains how his rebellious character has taken on the mantle of responsibility...

‘Ross realises that an opportunity to get to London represents the only way he can make change happen. Cornwall is too far away from where the decisions are made and although Ross has a lot of influence there and people listen to him, change doesn’t happen fast enough. He is starting to realise that people are attracted to his energy and they listen to him because he is this bridge between the working class and the gentry; he is well educated but he understands the plight of the workingman.

‘With the likes of George Warleggan (Jack Farthing) setting himself up in Westminster Ross realises that he needs to go to fight these kinds of people, not just George but what George represents. It is an important time in Britain; William Pitt has just gone into power at the age of 24, making him the youngest Prime Minister ever, William Wilberforce is pushing the bill to abolish slavery and to close some of the poor houses, to end child labour, there is a campaign to increase wages and the standard of living and these were all things that Ross cares about but it can’t be done from Cornwall so Westminster is where he needs to be.’

Aidan immersed himself within the history of the period as part of his research for this series...

‘I have always found the political history of this period interesting, especially finding out about William Pitt and William Wilberforce and what they campaigned for. It’s hard to believe that there were so many people who were opposed to it all and who were trying to shut these conversations down. As an actor getting to make speeches about important matters like these, in this setting, it fills you with a sense of empowerment. You get an idea of what it would have been like at the time. It is surreal to be up there talking about backing Wilberforce in his bill to abolish slavery. It makes you realise that this all happened only a little over 200 years ago and that is really only a small blip in the scale of time.

‘The actual slavery abolition act wasn’t passed until 1833 and even at that time there was huge opposition towards it, which is 40 years after Ross and Wilberforce present these ideas in the House of Commons. These men were also trying to eradicate capital punishment, which at the time was freely used for petty crime. I’ve done my fair share of research because when you are given these political speeches as Ross Poldark you want to know what is going on. It seems surreal to make those speeches and have people opposing what you’re saying. You just think, how could this not be the way forward, but that is what happened, these great people did get up and speak and rally support for these bills and thank God they did.’

This series we see Ross and his persistent rival, George Warleggan thrust against each other in a very different environment.

‘It is always fun working with Jack but it is especially fun for us as actors to do it this time opposite each other in the House of Commons. It was nice to see him across the room and just think we have made it all the way from the first series, throwing ourselves around bars and taverns and now we are sitting in the House of Commons staring each other down. Those kinds of moments are always great.’

And Aidan enjoyed briefly filming in London...

'We shot exteriors for the Houses of Parliament which was a lot of fun. It was fun to be in London and made it feel very real. That day was also with James Wilby who plays Falmouth and we have a really good working relationship. The characters of Lord Falmouth and Ross have a growing relationship themselves, which is always fun to explore. Ross didn’t fully trust Falmouth at the beginning, I think Falmouth said something like ‘Ross you are about liberty, equality and fraternity and I am about fraternity, less about liberty and nothing to do with equality’ but slowly they begin to agree on things and Ross turns Falmouth around. They have this father son relationship which was enjoyable to play out and James is a great actor to work with.'

Ross has another rival this year, in the form of Monk Adderley (Max Bennett).

‘Monk represents everything that Ross hates, he is corrupt and has likely acquired his political position through nepotism rather than hard work, Monk is mostly involved in politics for the social scene and rarely bothers to show up to the House of Commons. Ross and Monk immediately get off on the wrong foot and it is funny to play that situation where you just don’t trust someone from the get go - he doesn’t trust Ross and Ross doesn’t trust him. They clash straight away and whilst it is never really spoken about, they have this unsaid hatred for each other from the very beginning until it reaches a dramatic end.’

Aidan reveals Ross’s emotional reaction to the events that unfolded at the end of last series between Demelza and Lieutenant Hugh Armitage (Josh Whitehouse).

Joshua Whitehouse and Eleanor Tomlinson Poldark S3

‘Ross is not entirely sure what has or hasn’t happened with Hugh and Demelza but regardless, this affects him a lot because he realises there were more emotions involved than if it was just a fleeting attraction. He sees that Demelza has fallen for Hugh and he understands what this is about because he has been through the same experience with Elizabeth. He knows it is complicated and that there is a lot at stake.

'Ross doesn’t want to lose Demelza, he realises how fragile their relationship is and how awfully he has treated her and what it feels like to be at the other end of that, which is something he has never experienced before. Ross sometimes need those wake up calls as he is not always aware how he effects other people and it isn’t until something happens where the tables are turned and he is confronted with that same action himself that he realises what he has done.

'Emotionally Ross has always been inarticulate, he is not always sure how to talk about his feelings and this is difficult for him because he doesn’t know quite what to say. At heart he knows that Hugh is a good man and Demelza is someone he not only loves but also greatly admires so it is a wakeup call for him and it is very difficult. He is confused by all of that and he feels scared to lose her and his family, so it is a very tentative time.’

Aidan explains that audiences will see Ross and Demelza slowly working their way back to each other this series.

‘This series they spend weeks apart whilst Ross is in London which was strange as they are usually together so often and during filming there were huge gaps where Eleanor and I didn’t see each other so it felt like it played out for real. When we did get back together, when Ross invites Demelza to London and they spend a week there together, it was lovely to reunite.

'It felt like their second honeymoon, they go out on boats and they go the Vauxhall pleasure gardens and to the theatre and meet up with friends and it felt like the early days of their relationship. They didn’t really get to do any of that in the first place so it felt like something was reignited there. It was nice for Ross to have fun again with Demelza, and to find that love again was important because that had been lost for quite a while. They have been through so much and they have allowed themselves to get really bogged down with life so much so that they forgot to have a good time in between but they find that again this series which was lovely.’

Poldark returns to BBC One on 10 June.

Source: BBC Media Centre

Links:
Eleanor Tomlinson Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Max Bennett is Monk Adderley
Poldark S4: Rebecca Front is Lady Whitworth
Heida Reed is Elizabeth Warleggan
Jack Farthing Talks George Warleggan
Poldark S4: Gabriella Wilde is Caroline Enys
Poldark S4: Luke Norris is Dwight Enys
Poldark S4: Christian Brassington Talks Reverend Osborne Whitworth
Poldark S4: Ellise Chappell is Morwenna Whitworth
Poldark S4: Harry Richardson is Drake Carne
Beatie Edney Talks Poldark S4
Poldark S4: Tom York is Sam Carne
Poldark S4: Ciara Charteris is Emma Tregirls

Pics from the 'Poldark' S4 Preview Screening at the BFI

Here are a few pics from last night's preview screening of Poldark S4 at the BFI.  Sorry, there's no report as news from the Q&A is embargoed for a while.  I did ask the BFI Box Office if the panel would be filmed and disappointingly, it seems not.

Eleanor Tomlinson was unable to make the event as she is busy filming War of the Worlds but she did send a video (below) with the wonderful news that there would be a series 5!

#Poldark fans, @ETomlinson has some exciting news from tonight's screening of S4 episode 1. You don't want to miss this announcement! pic.twitter.com/2IoyL4p8Cu

— Official Poldark (@PoldarkTV) 2 May 2018

Luke Norris, Esme Coy, Christian Brassington,
Joshua Whitehouse, Aidan Turner, Ellise Chappell, Beatie Edney

Debbie Horsfield, Aidan Turner and Karen Thrussell

When will 'Poldark' Return?

We all know Poldark series four will be back on our screens in the next few weeks but the question is when?

Last year Poldark began on 11 June but when asked the air date at the Radio Times Covers Party in January Aidan Turner said, "Sooner rather than later. I think it's probably a different time to last year, it's probably earlier from what I can gather," and Damien Timmer at the Poldark on Stage event said it might be slightly earlier than last year. Here at Poldarked we think it will start on Sunday 20 May. Why?

Well, BBC One's drama The Woman in White starts at 9pm on Sunday 22 April. It is a five part drama and parts two and three follow, we believe, on Sunday and Monday 29 and 30 April. It's probably safe to assume the fourth episode of The Woman in White will be on Sunday 6 May but what about episode five? The following Sunday (13 May) the BBC is likely to air the BAFTA Television Awards so it makes sense for the finale of The Woman in White to be on Monday 7 May rather than wait until Sunday 20th.

And so we speculate Poldark will be back on 20 May.  What do you think?

Related Links:
Poldark on Stage
Aidan Turner Talks Poldark Air Date and Series Five

Poldark S4 Preview Screening at BFI

Poldark series four is to get a preview screening at the BFI Southbank this May!

The first episode will be shown and Aidan Turner will be there for the Q&A along with writer Debbie Horsfield and executive producer Karen Thrussell.

The event will take place on 2 May at 8.15pm. Tickets are available from the BFI website from 3 April for BFI members and 10 April at 11.30 am for non-members. Tickets are limited to two per person.

Details and tickets are available from the BFI website.

Aidan Turner Supports HIV Charity with Dinner Date Prize

Photo: Kitty Gale

Woah!

Terrific news from the Terrence Higgins Trust. Aidan Turner is supporting the HIV charity by offering dinner with him as a prize in their charity auction!  The auction, which is at Christies Auction House on 16 April, has loads of fabulous prizes including a painting of Russell Tovey and a watercolour by Tracey Emin.

The Terrence Higgins Trust is at the forefront of the fight against HIV and works towards improving the nations sexual health. Last year this event raised £240,000 and, over the years, has raised £4.2 million.

This is such a wonderful offer from Aidan. While at £150, even a ticket to the event is out of the question for many of us, let alone a bid for the dinner, it's great to see Aidan supporting such an important charity.

Tickets for the auction are available online until 15 April, 2018. Follow the link for more information.

Check out more details on the Terrence Higgins Trust  Facebook page

Aidan Turner on Stage

One of the things I'm most looking forward to this summer is seeing Aidan Turner make his West End debut in Martin McDonagh's The Lieutenant of Inishmore. Aidan returns to the stage after a break of ten years. Back in 2008, when he played Paris in Dublin's Abbey Theatre production of Romeo and Juliet, he probably had no idea that his career would take him away from live performance for so long and since 2012 he has been saying he would like to get back to his roots. As he told ARTICLE magazine recently, "It's gone beyond something I want to do at this point; it's actually something that I need to do."

The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Photo: Johan Persson

A while ago I was lucky enough to talk to Aidan about returning to the stage. As he says, "Going to the theatre is such a different experience than, say, watching TV.  It's like, well, it's the reason I started acting. Performing in theatre is just something that's completely different. You're on stage for two hours and it's just electric and anything can go wrong. It's that fear. Nothing can go wrong on a TV set and, if it does, you call cut and just go again."

Aidan plays Mad Padraic in The Lieutenant of Inishmore, a terrorist deemed too violent for the IRA, who loves his cat and is determined to find out how it met its end. Padraic can go from being brutal to disarmingly nice and fans familiar with Aidan's television work will have no trouble bringing to mind the roles he's brought both charm and menace to. Just think Philip Lombard in And Then There Were None which Variety describes as, "...the best work of his [Aidan's] career." But it's worth remembering that The Lieutenant of Inishmore is first and foremost a comedy, be it ever so black. And here, perhaps, Aidan's work in the theatre comes into play as he's no stranger to comedy on stage.

Crock of Gold Photo: Liam Halligan

Aidan played several parts in the fantasy play Crock of Gold (2006) which was noted by critics for its strong performances. From a cast of 30, reviewers sought out Aidan for the humour he brought to one his roles saying, "You have characters beautifully played such as Pan by Aidan Turner. His strutting around the stage is hilarious." Part of the fun of the theatre is having players interact with the audience which is just what Pan did, even at one time offering someone a cup of tea!

Cyrano Photo; Patrick Redmond

Later in 2006 Aidan played Christian in the comedy Cyrano. Reviewers praised the sharp writing of this funny play and called Aidan a "fabulous young actor who really stole the show," despite playing a "priapic lughead". As Christian, Aidan had the audience with him as he talked to Cyrano about never having been with an older woman, "except for that one time with my Aunt", responded to Roxanne's question about what makes him angry with "Britney Spears" and likened sex to paintball. There was plenty of visual comedy too with reviewers finding the sword fight with leeks inspired!


Although Aidan has been in many productions over the years the plays have often had short runs (Cyrano was eight days) with Romeo and Juliet at Ireland's national theatre The Abbey, having the longest run of 47 shows. The Lieutenant of Inishmore will run for over 100 performances. Aidan is realistic about the repetition whether it be for Poldark or on stage telling WWD magazine, "When you're anchoring a show there's some responsibility to take the lead and not to let boredom settle in. It happens in every job, it happened when I was on stage for years. After opening night, or a few weeks after, you begin to think it's old hat, that there's nothing new to discover. But it's just about re-engaging with the role, the experience and the project. I'm still having a lot of fun."

In rehearsals for Romeo and Juliet Photo: Ros Kavanagh

Of course, Aidan and the cast are in the very capable hands of Michael Grandage, one of our finest directors. Aidan has not worked with Michael before but it seems they share the same ethos. Michael likes his actors to be happy and, as we know, everyone who joins the cast of Poldark says it's a lovely show to work on; Michael expects the cast to arrive at the first rehearsal knowing all their lines and Aidan's advice for auditions is to "get off book as quick as you can"; Michael hopes that, by the end of rehearsals, every line of a play will have been examined and Aidan says, "With theatre you’re kind of four-to-five weeks locked down in the room with the guys figuring stuff out. It’s back to play school.That’s what I miss the most — almost. There’s nothing like an opening night or like the curtain going up and having a full house, but also having weeks and weeks to work with your director and cast members and try to crack the play."

The Lieutenant of Inishmore
Photo: Johan Persson

The Noel Coward, where The Lieutenant of Inishmore will be staged, is a pretty Rococo style  theatre dating from 1903.  Aidan is certainly familiar with it as a member of the audience having seen Judi Dench and Ben Whishaw there in Peter and Alice and Sarah Greene in The Cripple of Inishmaan (which he went to with some friends from The Hobbit) - both Michael Grandage productions, The Cripple of Inishmaan being a Martin McDonagh play.  I've been to the Noel Coward several times (I particularly enjoyed The Cripple of Inishmaan). The seats have a comfortable amount of leg room and there is air conditioning during the performance. A word of warning though. The Ladies loos are few in number and the foyer ones are tiny!

The Lieutenant of Inishmore  runs from 23 June to 8 September.  Follow the link tickets and more information.

Please remember to credit Poldarked when reposting this article.

Related links:
Aidan Turner's Career

Bid for Poldark's Waistcoat!

Here's your chance to bid for one of Ross Poldark's waistcoats as worn by Aidan Turner in the television series Poldark!

The waistcoat (I'm sure it has a name - see the video below!) has been donated by Poldark producer Mammoth Screen to help raise funds for the Ink Festival. The Festival showcases new writing for film and plays from East Anglia.

The auction ends on 20 February, 2018.  

Follow this link to bid 

Aidan Turner talks 'Poldark' Series Four Air Date and Series Five

Photo: Radio Times

Poldark Series Four will air in the UK earlier than last year according to Aidan Turner.

In an interview with the Radio Times at the Covers Party last night he said it would return, “Sooner rather than later, I imagine. I think it’s probably a different time to last year, it’s probably earlier from what I can gather. They need to finish post production and all of those sorts of things so that’s when I step out.”

He also confirmed that a fifth series has been green lit saying,“Definitely we’re going to do season five, we’re going to shoot the fifth one. After that, I don’t know. We’ll have to see how it all goes, but definitely for five. It’s kind of one step at a time.”

Aidan was at the Radio Times Covers Party to collect the award for the Poldark cover along with writer Debbie Horsfield, executive producer Karen Thrussell and Aunt Agatha herself, Caroline Blakiston. It was great to see stills photographer Robert Viglasky there as well, as he produces the photographs for so many fine covers. Here are some pictures from the night.

Aidan Turner, Caroline Blakiston, Debbie Horsfield, Karen Thrussell Photo: Official Poldark

Aidan with Robert Viglasky  Photo: Robert Viglasky

With GBBO Photo: Kate Lyon

Photo: Radio Times

Three 'Poldark' Nominations for TRIC Awards 2018

Brilliant news!

Poldark, Aidan Turner and Eleanor Tomlinson have all been nominated for the Television and Radio Industries Club Awards 2018!
The TRIC Awards are voted for by members of the industry. Last year Poldark won the award for HD Programme of the Year.

This year Poldark faces competition from  Apple Tree Yard, Babs, Broadchurch, Call the Midwife, Casualty, Cold Feet, Death in Paradise, Doc Martin, Doctor Foster, Dr Who, Endeavour, Grantchester, Holby City, Liar, Line of Duty, Little Boy Blue, Midsomer Murders, Peaky Blinders,Silent Witness, Taboo, The Durrells, Three Girls, Vera and Victoria in the Best Drama Programme category.

Aidan and Eleanor are both up for Best Drama Performance along with Amanda Mealing Casualty, Anna Friel Broken, Brenda Blethyn Vera, Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders, David Tennant Broadchurch, Emilia Fox Silent Witness, Fay Ripley Cold Feet, Helen George Call the Midwife, Ioan Gruffudd Liar, James Nesbitt Cold Feet, Jenna Coleman Victoria, Joanne Froggatt Liar, John Thomson Cold Feet, Neil Dudgeon Midsomer Murders, Olivia Colman Broadchurch, Peter Capaldi Dr Who, Suranne Jones Doctor Foster and Tom Hardy Taboo.

A full list of nominees can be found here.

The TRIC Awards 2018 will be announced at a ceremony at Grosvenor House Hotel, London on 13 March 2018.

Congratulations on the nominations - well deserved!

Related Links:

• 'Poldark' Wins TRIC Award!

A Look Back at 2017

Damien Timmer, Aidan Turner and Debbie Horsfield at the BFI Radio Times Festival. Photo Radio Times

As we head towards the start of a New Year here's a look back at a handful of Poldark highlights from 2017.  In no particular order:

• Fans flocked to the BFI and Radio Times Festival in April to see Aidan Turner, along with writer Debbie Horsfield and executive producer Damien Timmer at the oddly named session Ross Poldark: Old-fashioned Hero for a Modern World. While much of the interview had the air of déjà vu about it, I did find nine snippets to pass on to our readers and there were plenty of photos from the event. 

• Awards, Awards, Awards... Just this week Aidan Turner (Best Actor), Eleanor Tomlinson (Best Actress) and Harry Marcus (Breakthrough Talent) have wins in the Radio Times Reader Awards 2017
• In November the International Press Academy announced Poldark is to be honoured with the Satellite Award for Best Ensemble Television 2017. 
• Earlier in the month Debbie Horsfield won the Romantic Novelists' Association Industry Award 2017 for Best Adaptation of a Romantic Novel for the second time. 
• Poldark won the Television and Radio Industries Club award for HD Drama Programme of the Year in March.  
• During 2017 Poldark received nominations for the National Television Awards, TV Choice Awards and Royal Television Society West of England Awards. Composer Anne Dudley was nominated for a BAFTA Craft Award  and Aidan Turner received a nomination for best actor from the Irish Film and Television Academy. 

Poldark Preview Screening  Photo: Evie Bowman

• Sadly this year there was no public preview screening of Poldark series 3 in the UK but in May I was privileged to be invited to the press screening and Q&A.   I took a few pics too!  

• Just giving. One of my favourite things about production company Mammoth Screen is its support for charities. This year saw Poldark taking part in the Children in Need appeal with four CIN volunteers spending a day on the set.  Poldark prizes were given to charity auctions too including those held by LE Solidarity and Highgate has Heart, both of which help refugees. Ross's tricorn, signed by Aidan Turner, was a prize at a fundraiser lunch with Michael Parkinson for Cornwall Air Ambulance.

Here's wishing you all a very Happy New Year and the hope of lots of Poldark loveliness in 2018 xxx

Poldark Preview Screening

Poldark Preview Screening 

Poldark Preview Screening  

BFI Radio Times Festival

BFI Radio Times Festival Photo: Evie Bowman

BFI Radio Times Festival

Wins for 'Poldark' in the Radio Times Reader Awards 2017

Well done Poldark! Aidan Turner (Best Actor), Eleanor Tomlinson (Best Actress) and Harry Marcus (Breakout Talent) are all winners in the Radio Times Reader Awards 2017!  Poldark is runner-up to the excellent Peaky Blinders for Best Drama.

Last year Poldark swept the board winning in all four categories, with Gabriella Wilde winning best newcomer.

Congratulations everyone! Very well deserved.