Interview with Paula Malcomson
An interview with Paula Malcomson, who plays Roz Demichelis
Published: 12 May 2017
It's called Broken. I mean, who isn’t? Who has lived a life who isn’t damaged by it in some way? It asks questions that people at home will be asking themselves on any given day
Who is your character?
I play Roz Demichelis, who is one of Father Michael’s flock I suppose. The fallen flock, the 'Broken' people. Though she’s not been actively religious for some time, she comes to Father Michael in a crisis. She’s made a monumental decision which she confides in Father Michael, because there’s nobody else she can tell and she’s in a situation that she can see no way out of.
What themes would you say are key to this series?
Well it’s called Broken. I mean, who isn’t? (laughing) Who has lived a life who isn’t damaged by it in some way? It asks so many questions that so many people at home will be asking themselves on any given day.
How has this experience been for you?
Roz is a gift of a character, so it’s certainly not been a dreary role to play. There’s been such a wonderful crew and beautiful writing that it’s given me so much. It’s been an incredibly heartening experience, and it’s been lovely to be in Liverpool surrounded by these lovely people.
What sets Broken apart from other drama series?
It’s quintessentially Jimmy, that’s what sets it apart. His writing is so signature; it just has its own rhythms. There’s a whole style to the series which is unmistakably Jimmy McGovern, and that’s a real joy to play.
Jimmy writes so wonderfully about humanity. He shows the working classes with all of their nuance. He shows how hard it can be, but also how beautiful the ordinary can be. The way he writes, the way people speak is so real and conversational and not exposition-led, which is really nice to come in as an actor and do.
Series credits
Father Michael Kerrigan - Sean Bean
Christina Fitzsimmons - Anna Friel
Roz Demichelis - Paula Malcomson
Father Peter Flaherty - Adrian Dunbar
P.C Andrew Powell – Mark Stanley
Helen Oyenusi - Muna Otaru
P.C. Dawn Morris - Aisling Loftus
Daniel Martin - Danny Sapani
Carl McKenna - Ned Dennehy
Chloe Demichelis - Lauren Lyle
Jean Reid - Rochenda Sandall
Created by Jimmy McGovern
Written by Jimmy McGovern, with Nick Leather, Shaun Duggan and Colette Kane
Directed by Ashley Pearce and Noreen Kershaw
Produced by Colin McKeown and Donna Molloy
Executive producers for LA Productions - Jimmy McGovern, Colin McKeown and Sean Bean
Executive producer for the BBC - Lucy Richer
GK
