Pauline Quirke (‘Broadchurch’) interview

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Pauline Quirke (Birds of a Feather) plays Susan Wright in ITV’s new drama series, Broadchurch.

Written and created by Chris Chibnall (Doctor Who, Law and Order: UK), the eight-part series explores what happens to a small community in Dorset when it suddenly becomes the focus of a police investigation, following the tragic and mysterious death of an eleven year old boy under the glare of the media spotlight.

Broadchurch‘s star-studded cast also includes David Tennant, Vicky McClure, Andrew Buchan, Olivia Colman, Arthur Darvill and Jodie Whittaker.

> Order Broadchurch on DVD on Amazon.

What was the best thing about working on Broadchurch?

“When I got the role they said to me, your character always has her dog with her and I thought it would be so much easier for them really to have my dog, Bailey.

“He is so obedient and will do whatever is asked of him. They still wanted to ‘audition’ him to make sure. He can’t do tricks and that sort of thing, but that’s not what they wanted. They wanted Susan to have a dog to devotedly follow her around which is what he has done. He has lots of close ups and excelled himself. I think it has worked out perfectly for everyone. He’s been terrific; even scenes without me when he wasn’t sure, he has still been brilliant!”

How would you describe Susan?

“You see her from episode one. She is very mysterious and there’s something not right, some secret she has got or something she is hiding which you do discover later on. That side of the character story develops a little bit more.

“Susan is very dark and has rather a sinister presence. The only thing she shows any emotion for is her dog. She seems to be totally cold. She just seems to always be there just watching and lurking and listening.

“It has been a fascinating character to play. Bearing in mind we didn’t get the scripts until very near the time of filming so we were all intrigued about the kind of character we were portraying. We found out about them as people will when they watch the show. I have really enjoyed it.”

Did you enjoy filming in the West Country?

“I have absolutely fallen in love with the place. I loved being at West Bay and when I got the chance I’d go off exploring. I have been to Lyme Regis and lots of other places just having a wander round with Bailey.

“I have really got to see parts of Dorset that I have never seen before. Even when the weather turned cold, it was still beautiful. Even doing night shoots in the pouring rain on the beach, I have still really enjoyed it.”

You’re now getting ready for a 14 week regional tour of the Birds of a Feather stage show…

“We did 17 weeks last year and it was too much – I’m not getting any younger! We never went to Scotland last year so have three weeks there and we will try to get to theatres we didn’t get to last year. Last time I was terrified of being on stage as I hadn’t done it in 25 years. I don’t think I’ll be as bad this time.

“I will still be really nervous but at least I know I can do it and get through it and hold my own on stage without making too many mistakes. Bailey won’t be with me on this though…”

> Order Broadchurch on DVD on Amazon.

Watch the trailer…

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