Lara Pulver On MobLand: ‘The Harrigans Are Rather Unhinged’

With new episodes landing weekly, we can’t stop thinking about MobLand, Paramount+’s latest gritty and addictive drama. We sat down with Lara Pulver – who stars alongside Pierce Brosnan, Helen Mirren and Paddy Considine as Bella Harrigan – to hear all about it.

Interview: Lara Pulver

Hi Lara, how’s life going at the moment?

Pretty good, thank you. 

You’re can currently be seen in MobLand – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

It’s an absolute riot. Everything you want from a Guy Ritchie show and then some…

You play Bella – how would you describe her?

Bella is a smart, savvy woman who’s running away from a very complex relationship with her father. She’s the daughter-in-law of Maeve and Conrad Harrigan, played by Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. The Harrigans are a rather unhinged gangster family who are hugely powerful and influential. 

What has she got in store across the series? 

Bella’s trapped in rather a loveless marriage and desperate to steer her unstable son away from the chaos that surrounds the Harrigan family. She finds light relief in her friendship with the family’s ‘negotiator’ Harry, played by Tom Hardy, but even he can’t stop her from seeking revenge on those who’ve crossed her in the past.

What was it like playing her?

Rather delicious. She’s a bit of an enigma who’s trying to regain control of her life. 

Did you do anything special to get into character or prepare for the role?

The time between being offered the role and starting filming was very fast – we literally hit the ground running. Our costume designer, Rebecca Hale and Cate Hall, our hair/make up designer, were hugely collaborative in helping me to establish Bella and then navigate her journey through the series. 

Bella is Kevin’s wife. How did you go about creating your dynamic together?

Sadly, Bella and Kevin’s marriage isn’t in a great place. They’re living separate lives and the lack of connection on many levels has become their norm. Thankfully, a turning point comes in the show that cracks the entire relationship open and offers them a choice to not only really hear and see one another for the first time, but for things to be different. It worked well for Paddy and I because as we got to know each other better as people, our character’s were simultaneously finding one another. 

Lara Pulver as Bella Harrigan in Mobland. (© Luke Varley/Paramount+)

The turnaround from filming to airing has been so speedy. What has that been like?

Mental. The fastest turnaround I’ve ever experienced, but it’s a nice change to not have to wait months or even years for a project to air. 

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

On our final day, we had a spontaneous dance party in the woods at 7am. After working intensely for six months, it was so liberating to put some music on and bust some moves with our dedicated crew who’ve worked tirelessly to make this show.

What about a standout filming location?

Selfishly, I was so grateful to film in and around London. We’ve just moved back to the UK after 13 years in the US, and it’s rare in this industry to work in the city you live. As a mum to two young kids, I really appreciated being able come home to my family every night and sleep in my own bed! 

It’s a really star-studded cast. What was the dynamic like on set? 

I’m not sure there’s a better pairing than Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan. They’re two wonderful people with incredible work ethics, and it was so much fun to be part of this talented ensemble. 

Who was your favourite person to work with?

Niall McCaffrey-Cassidy and Sam Clarke, my make up and costume dynamic duo. They’re not only great at their jobs – collaborative and creative – but thoughtful, sensitive and lots of fun, which is a blessing on tough, long days. Also, Jo Froggatt. I did my first television job – the BBC’ s Robin Hood – with Jo nearly 20 years ago. We stayed in touch, but it’s so lovely to be back working together. 

Congrats on your Olivier nomination! Fiddler on the Roof is transferring to the Barbican soon. How are you feeling about it?

Thirteen Olivier nominations for the show was such a wonderful surprise. It’s brilliant for everyone involved to be heading to the Barbican after a such a memorable summer at Regent’s Park Open Air theatre. 

Will anything change between the open air production in Regent’s Park and the Barbican stage?

Lots, I’m sure. No doubt Tom Scutt will come up with another extraordinary set design, and we’ll have new cast members joining, too.

How have rehearsals been going?

We start rehearsals in two weeks.

What has been your favourite project to date?

It’s hard to pick one. I had the most wonderful time playing Catherine on Maternal for ITV. I really miss that character and Jacqui Honess-Martins’ scripts, not to mention working alongside Parminder Nagra and Lisa McGrillis. 

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I’m involved in The Hack for ITV that airs later this year, starring David Tennant and Robert Carlyle. 

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

Imelda Staunton.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Also Imelda! 

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Stephen Graham. I’ve worked with Stephen briefly before, but I thought Adolescence was so well crafted and I’m in awe of anyone who follows their creative instincts, takes action and actually makes stuff happen. 

Do you get to spend much time at home?

As much as possible. I’m efficiently fast leaving work to maximise time with my family. 

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I’m happiest in nature but we are very fortunate to have such a wonderful local community in London. 

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be? 

You’ve nothing to prove, but plenty to give.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

A much needed family holiday! 

Lara Pulver Recommends…

I’m currently watching… The White Lotus

What I’m reading… A Serial Killer’s Guide To Marriage by Asia Mackay

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… I’m still digesting Adolescence

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… MobLand! 

Favourite film of all time… American Beauty

Favourite song of all time… Gregory Porter’s ‘Holding On’ helped me through 36 hours of labour

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Whitney always gets me up and moving

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Anywhere with trees

Cultural guilty pleasure… A matinee movie at our lovely local cinema.

WATCH

Lara Pulver stars as Bella Harrigan in MobLand. New episodes land weekly on Sundays. paramountplus.com