Damian Michael Barcroft talks to guest lead Elva Trill in an exclusive interview previewing tonight’s second episode of Ripper Street – Am I Not Monstrous?
Damian: Hi Elva and thanks for doing this. You must be excited about tonight?
Elva: I’m really excited and curious to see all the drama unfold!
D: Will you be watching the show tonight as it airs?
E: Absolutely! I will be watching it with my family. We have nibbles and wine at the ready.
A dramatic scene from tonight’s episode 2: “Am I Not Monstrous?”
D: Last week’s opener was an incredibly powerful episode but tonight’s is particularly intense isn’t it?
E: Yes it is. Every episode is sort of a mini drama in itself isn’t it really? This one is compelling from the outset. It highlights a mother’s love entwined with copious amounts of fear and being faced with the challenge of making the right choice.
D: What can you tell us about your character, Stella Brooks – without revealing any spoilers?
E: She is an incredibly strong and courageous young woman, and as you will all see tonight she is a little bit different….
RIPPER STREET: Elva as Stella Brooks
D: We were introduced to Joseph Merrick, better known as the Elephant Man in the last episode and he also has a significant role in tonight’s story, do you share any scenes with him?
E: Unfortunately I don’t. Our paths crossed on set but not on film. I had the pleasure of seeing him in action during rehearsal and he is an incredible actor and a gentleman.
The stunning make-up by Waldo Mason Effects Ltd
D: Merrick is played by Joseph Drake in a remarkable performance and the make-up by Waldo Mason Effects is simply stunning, you must have sometimes felt rather overwhelmed by the whole scale of production?
E: Waldo is a genius in his field. The way he helped physically transform the actors into their character is truly astonishing. It was sometimes difficult to separate reality from fantasy because the effects were so realistic but it did make for some very interesting and fun days on set.
D: I believe that tonight’s episode also features another attraction – the eagerly anticipated introduction of a certain Det. Con. Albert Flight played by someone called Damien Molony. Apparently he has an army of fans out there going absolutely crazy about this and although I suppose he’s not a bad looking lad – seriously, what’s all the fuss about?
E: I am not surprised that he has an army of fans. He is a brilliant actor and also very pleasing to the eye and I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of him.
The introduction of Damien Molony as Detective Albert Flight
D: Describe how you came to be cast in Ripper Street?
E: I had the great fortune of attending the Factory Screen Acting Programme this year where I met and briefly worked with Louise Kiely. I was originally asked to read for a different part but after meeting the director Tom Shankland I was subsequently cast as Stella as Tom felt I was more suited to this role.
D: The filming took place in Dublin and I was wondering if the show is popular in Ireland?
E: Hugely so. It has an ardent fan base in Ireland. This isn’t surprising as it is a wonderfully written and directed production.
D: I can imagine there are plenty of Irish actors all scrambling to get a part in the show?
E: Of course, for all actors starting out especially, it can be very difficult to get offers of good work let alone work on a great show like Ripper Street. Without doubt the Factory Screen acting course has been a huge benefit to me personally when sourcing roles and my fellow “Factorians” are also being offered great roles which is wonderful.
D: I noticed on one of your acting profiles that it lists scuba diving as one of your special skills – is this what they’re teaching young actors in drama schools these days?
E: Ha, no! but I was born in Sligo on the North West coast of Ireland which is renowned for the best surfing in the world. Water sports were a big part of my childhood but I am also a big believer in being prepared. I have taken courses in firearms, archery, horse riding and scuba diving as you mentioned. So just incase Angelina Jolie isn’t available for Lara Croft 3 – I will be ready! 🙂
D: And what’s this about you writing music and short stories?
E: Yes I sing and I love to write songs and stories. I hope someday to combine the two – acting and singing. If ever they are making a sequel to Les Mis I hope they look me up. I am available ha!
Elva as Josephine Brown
D: Before Ripper Street, you were in Am an Ghatair [Troubled Times] which won an Irish Film and Television Academy Award, wasn’t this the true story of Josephine Brown?
E: It is a story about the life of Josephine Brown who became a spy for the IRA during the time of the troubles in the early part of the twentieth century. She did this in an effort to get custody of her son. She too was a hugely courageous strong young woman who knew that her death would be the outcome if she was found out. It was an honour to play her in this wonderful production directed by Paddy Hayes
D: What are you working on at the moment – didn’t you recently film a comedy?
E: I have just finished Play Next Door- Shine On for RTE directed by Charlie McCarthy. It is a one hour drama based in Bray, co. Wicklow. I play the character Sandra, an aspiring singer torn between her two loves, music and the man in her life. The comedy you mentioned is a pilot called ‘Artists’ that is about struggling actors in Ireland and pokes fun at the industry. There is also nice project in the pipeline for next year. Fingers crossed!
D: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us about Ripper Street – can’t wait to see your episode tonight!
E: My pleasure. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk to you about Ripper Street.
~ Damian Michael Barcroft ~
Season 2: Episode 2
Am I Not Monstrous?
MAR 01 – 09:00PM – BBC AMERICA
Mar 02 – 12:00AM – BBC AMERICA
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Images from the award winning drama-documentary Am an Ghatair starring Elva Trill as Josephine Brown
