(Photography, Jemima Marriott; Styling, Prue Fisher; Hair & Make up, Megan McPhilemy)

(Photography, Jemima Marriott; Styling, Prue Fisher; Hair & Make up, Megan McPhilemy)

Home
Culture

Victoria Broom On I, Jack Wright

11 mins ago

Streaming from tomorrow (23 April)

This post may contain affiliate links. Learn more

In UKTV’s brand new crime drama I, Jack Wright, the titular character is a powerful businessman who throws his family into disarray with his suicide – and the unexpected final will and testament he leaves behind. Naturally, an investigation ensues, with Jack’s widowed third wife leading the charge. Watching it all unfold is quiet housekeeper Mary (Victoria Broom), who’s well versed in keeping secrets. We sat down with Victoria for a taste of the series.

(Photography, Jemima Marriott; Styling, Prue Fisher; Hair & Make up, Megan McPhilemy)

Interview: Victoria Broom

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

Life is going great, thank you. Creating lifelong memories, enjoying life to the fullest and feeling super grateful.

You can now be seen in I, Jack Wright – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

I, Jack Wright is a wonderful character driven story about deceit, lies and inheritance. When the patriarch of the Wright family dies under mysterious circumstances, it’s revealed that the final will and testament isn’t what some people expected. Then everyone becomes a suspect… Expect complex characters, plot twists, deceit, lies and ‘omg, what?!’ moments. What a show.

You play Mary – how would you describe her?

She’s a proud woman. Loyal, private, doesn’t like to get involved or attract too much attention. She’s discreet, but observes everything.

What was it like playing her?

Mary is a wonderfully complex character. I learned so much about her in each episode. She prides herself on her loyalty and discretion, and she’s very proud of the position she holds within the Wright household.

How did you get into character?

In every role I play, I have a pre filming or pre show ritual. I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. The night before filming, I wind down and totally relax to prepare for the weeks ahead; a centering and grounding experience, really – a blank canvas of sorts. You can get so swept away with life and the business of life. To be able to take on a character, I feel you need to find the calm. Then you can shift into who you need and use the tools you have to create the character.

On the morning of, I always hit the gym. It sets you up just right! I’m an early bird anyway, so I always manage to move my body in some way before I get on set.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

Preparation, preparation and preparation. Know your lines like it’s part of your DNA. I know everything about the character’s backstory – everything about her and the relationships she has with other characters in the show. I study how the other characters interact and talk about her. This is all part of being an actor and being prepare

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

Just working on a Chris Lang show is pretty awesome and a career highlight of mine. But if we are talking about specific moments, then a standout moment was my last day on set. I was playing opposite the two wonderful actors Harry Lloyd and Liz Kingsman. It was just a really beautiful scene and those two are so perfectly brilliant.

(Photography, Jemima Marriott; Styling, Prue Fisher; Hair & Make up, Megan McPhilemy)

You’ve also starred in the likes of Marcella, Cheaters and Different for Girls. What has been your favourite project to date?

This is tough as I loved them all for different reasons. Marcella was the first big TV show I had done in my career. I had worked in independent films and theatre for years, but this was the first big TV role, so that will always be a career highlight. You never really forget your first.

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

I’ve been very fortunate to work with some incredible people. A particular highlight, though, was playing opposite the original Wonder Woman – the legend Linda Carter – in Wonder Woman (1984). It felt very Hollywood. She was so lovely to work with; it was a magical time on set.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Someone who has become a dear friend and who I continue to learn from: Nicholas Pinnock. We were both in Marcella together. He has so much grace, so much talent and is the most glorious human to be around, and I continue to learn and grow from him.

What’s your dream role?

Anything written by Sally Wainwright. The female characters she creates are so complex and driven. In my opinion, she has created some of the most outstanding female characters on screen.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I would love to do more comedy. I’m constantly being told I’m quite good at it!

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

I’ve had the privilege of ticking one off my bucket list, Chris Lang. But two other legends are Russell T Davies and Sally Wainwright.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

My partner and I split our time between the hustle and bustle of London and the calm of the South Downs countryside. It’s a perfect work/life balance. I have the total shut off when on our country walks and just being in the country air. Then back to work mode when in London. It’s perfect.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Having that switch off, and the calm. Self love and respecting others.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

I’m heading to the Swiss mountains this summer for a hiking retreat adventure. I cannot wait. I love the mountains and this will be the first time I will hike around Switzerland.