EXCLUSIVE | 'Belgravia' star Jack Shalloo on how everyone, even in 1800s Britain, 'wants to be loved and respected'
When actor Jack Shalloo first read the script for 'Belgravia', he was transfixed by all the twists and turns. Based on the book of the same name by Julian Fellowes and coming from the creators of the multi-award-winning ITV series 'Downton Abbey', 'Belgravia' is a time capsule taking viewers back to the 1800s.
Revolving around a deep secret desperately hidden by the Trenchards, the nouveau riche who are climbing the social ladder, the period drama also examines society in the 1800s — perhaps the main attraction for Shalloo.
"Being from a more working-class background myself I was really interested in this idea of 'new money' and the struggles characters that weren't born into this world have just to survive," he told MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) in an exclusive interview.
More than that, who can refuse a Fellowes production. "I think I also loved how clear each character is, with Julians writing you know exactly who someone is within a few lines, though of course there's a lot more to them once we go deeper into the story."
Shalloo's character Morris works for the Trenchards — Anne Trenchard, played by Tamsin Greig, and James Trenchard, played by Philip Glenister.
The Trenchards are upward mobile people who have worked hard to build their social standing in 1800s London. They might not have the royal titles, but the family sure has money and connections.
"They're good people," Shalloocha tells us. "Mrs Trenchard is clever and is much happier in the countryside, uninterested by the social scenes her husband is desperate to climb."
Morris, with the rest of the household help for the Trenchards, sits in the cellar discussing their bosses, offering insight not only into their lives but also shedding light on class differences.
"There is a line in episode one where Ellis (Saskia Reeves) says 'it's hard to get the trick of it in one single generation' and that sums up the Trenchards for me... they're new money and they don't fully understand the world they’re in, especially Mr Trenchard who makes a lot of blunders and mistakes!"
Every night after their duties are completed, the staff sits for dinner. Here they discuss their bosses — hardly using any filter. "The show highlights that everyone, no matter what class or social position you hold, wants the same thing, to be loved and respected."
"I think it's great to see characters like Charles Pope doing well despite his background and that some of the staff in the Trenchard house are desperate for more than they have," he shared.
It is clear early on that some of the staff are not exactly happy with their job — or their bosses. But Shalloo believes that these stories are told by Fellowes with honesty. "It's unusual to see characters like that not just be happy with their lot and to not be loyal to their bosses. The class divide is huge but Jullian shows that we're all human."
A footman for the Trenchards, Shalloo tells us more about Morris: "He's new to the job and doesn’t quite know all the rules yet so finds himself being told off a lot, usually by Turton (Paul Ritter). I think its fair to say he’s not the brightest and provides some light entertainment with all of the downstairs gang. Plus he has fantastic sideburns!"
'Belgravia' is a grand invitation into the 1800s. Magnificent sets weave a spectacular story of secrets, lies and deceit in this new period drama that is streaming on Epix.
Episode 1 of 'Belgravia' is currently streaming on Epix. Episode 2 will premiere on April 19, 2020.