Alexandra Mardell: ‘Filming Smoggie Queens Had Us Laughing Until It Hurt’

Best known for her time on Coronation Street‘s cobbles, Alexandra Mardell is once again championing her northern roots in brand new comedy Smoggie Queens. Beginning tomorrow night (28 November) on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, the series follows a gang of friends who are fiercely proud of their north eastern town of Middlesborough and their small pocket of the LGBTQ+ community. We sat down with Alexandra to hear all about it.

Interview: Alexandra Mardell

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

Hello! Life is going fabulously at the moment thank you! It’s all go, but I love being busy so I can’t complain.

You are about to star in Smoggie Queens – can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

Yes! So Smoggie Queens follows rough and ready drag queen Dickie [Phil Dunning] with his weird and wonderful chosen family. The five of them are living their best lives individually and, of course, together. Loving and supporting each other through thick and thin while having a silly old time along the way.

You play Lucinda – how would you describe her?

Lucinda is extra and unashamed to be. She is lavish and loyal, wears her heart on her sleeve, but she’s definitely not a push over. She’s a down to earth girlie who wants to live, laugh, love and doesn’t take herself too seriously.

What was it like playing her?

The best. She’s like a real life doll: head to toe in sequins and glitter and a few sassy side eyes. Phil has created these characters that are so much fun to play with. Sometimes too much fun – it was hard to not keep laughing in the scenes.

How did it feel when you got the role?

I was so, so pleased. I couldn’t wait to get started. Some of us cast members had met at a read through and we all got on instantly, so I knew we were about to have the best summer working together.

How did you get into character?

For me, it was definitely the hair pieces that made me Lucinda. I had so many different styles, I even gave them names. She’s a ‘Look Queen’ so she is always dolled up even in her casual state and that’s so different to me personally. Once I had all the hair, the nails, the earrings, it just changes the way you move.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

I really had to focus on the Boro accent. I had done a Geordie accent before in Vera, but it wasn’t until I was around the gang that I realised how different the Middlesborough accent is. It’s very similar to my own Yorkshire accent in some ways, which again makes it even harder to adjust. But I was so determined to get it right, I didn’t want to let the Smoggies down. Hopefully, I did it justice. And it sounds obvious, but I really had to get my lines learned quick! Lucinda sometimes goes down a rabbit hole with her little anecdotes and she speaks super fast. So mixing that with the accent meant I didn’t have time to be worrying about my lines. I really had to know them.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

There are so many moments that had us laughing until it hurt! But one really special one whilst filming is in episode six. It’s a moment that Sal [Patsy Lowe] has towards the end. I don’t want to spoil it, but it was just something else. You’ll see soon and you’ll know exactly what I mean.

What was the cast dynamic on set?

We are literally a chosen family! I think that’s why it’s so easy in scenes, because we all get on so well as a group and individually as well. The chemistry was just there. We still talk all the time. The group chat is constantly going off.

Who was your favourite person to work with?

That is impossible to answer. But honestly, I really enjoyed it the most when there were as many of us together as possible. I think we all preferred it that way. A few times, there would be one or two of the gang missing and as soon as we saw them again it was like a reunion – even if it had only been a few hours!

Stewart (ELIJAH YOUNG), Sal (PATSY LOWE), Lucinda (ALEXANDRA MARDELL), Dickie (PHIL DUNNING), Mam (MARK BENTON) in Smoggie Queens. (BBC/Hat Trick Productions/Matt Crockett)

It features plenty of drag – do you have a favourite drag queen or king?

A couple of new faves have to be Penni Tration and Monarchy who feature in the show; they are both incredible. I love the Angels of the North, Tomara Thomas, Michael Marouli and Ginger Jonson. They’re north east girlies so fingers crossed we might cross paths one day. And right now I am loving Lill. She is on the current season of Drag Race UK representing Manchester. I love the northern queens.

What has been your favourite project to date?

I’ve been very lucky in my career. Every job has been very special, and I’ve learned so much and made some great friends. But Smoggie Queens as a whole has to be the best.

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

Yes! Although I’m not sure how much I’m allowed to say at the moment. But it’s a role I’m really looking forward to exploring.

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

Favourites are so hard because, again, I’ve been lucky and worked alongside some incredible actors! Some that I always looked up to and some who are now great friends. I think one of my favourites and a true legend has to be Dame Maureen Lipman. She is an icon and she is hilarious.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I would say Brenda Blethyn. Vera was my first TV job and I was very nervous. Brenda really took the time to put me at ease and talk through the role and scenes with me. She was so kind. She was also such a prankster on set! I would love to work with her again.

What’s your dream role?

There’s a series by Dominic Savage called I Am… Each episode is lead by a different female actor and written in a collaboration with Dominic. Actors like Kate Winslet, Vicky McClure, Suranne Jones, Letitia Wright. Every episode is incredible. That would be a dream.

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

I love comedy but I would definitely love to do some more drama. Or a thriller. Maybe something where my character isn’t as likeable. I’d love to explore that.

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

There are so many on my list! I would love to work with Jodie Comer. She is an inspiration. Everything she is in, she is astounding in. And she’s a fellow northern lass!

A writer would be Dominic Savage as I mentioned, or of course Russell T Davies. Philip Barantini: directing Boiling Point in one shot is ridiculously impressive. Everyone in it was ridiculously impressive. I would love to work with him.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

It comes in waves but at the moment I’m away quite a lot. It’s nice getting to see different places for work but I do also love my home bubble and my little routine. It just doesn’t last very long. But that’s a good thing: it means I’m busy doing what I always wanted.

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

I live in Manchester. There are a few trees but it’s definitely not the country. I’ve always lived in big cities – Leeds, London, Manchester – but I do love getting away and breathing the fresh air when we can. Long walks in the Lakes or the Peaks. The country is where we say we’ll live one day.

What’s your interior design style?

I would say it’s dependent on the house and the location. But ultimately, I love quirky patterns, jazzy tiles. A bit of mix and match. And colour! Decorating and styling a home is one of my favourite things to do.

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

To just go for it. Not everything has to be perfect on the first try. Just throw yourself in and give everything a go. You’ll learn more that way.

How can we all live a little bit better?

There’s a lot going on in the world and a lot that needs to be done. We would all live a lot better if we all showed more humanity.

But a little change that really does make everyone instantly feel a little better is to just get outside and go for a walk. With your friend, or partner, or on your own. We try go for a walk every day. Even in the rain, which is a lot in Manchester.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Professionally, yes. I am about to start filming something I am really excited about. The part is so different to what I’ve been playing recently and I can’t wait to get stuck in.

And personally, yes! Me and my husband are going to New York! We have planned everything meticulously so we can fit in as much sightseeing and food as possible! We can’t wait.

Alexandra Mardell Recommends…

I’m currently watching… Slow Horses. Only one episode left. So good!

What I’m reading… Behind These Doors by Alex Smith

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… The Brothers Sun on Netflix

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… The Notebook on Broadway

Favourite film of all time… This is my worst question. I need categories! Dream Girls! Green Mile! Shrek! Bridesmaids!

Favourite song of all time… This is my second worst question! ‘Maria Maria’ by Carlos Santana

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Currently Raye

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Leeds West Indian Carnival. Make sure you get yourself to Maureen’s. It’s worth the queue.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Married at First Sight UK and Australia. But I watch it on the treadmill at the gym so I don’t feel as guilty.

WATCH

Alexandra Mardell stars in Smoggie Queens, beginning tomorrow night at 10.10pm with a double bill on BBC Three. All episodes will launch tomorrow morning on BBC iPlayer.