Interview with Luwam Teklizgi
Luwam Teklizgi plays Rita.
Published: 2 April 2019
Rita is a 19 year-old Eritrean girl. I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but she’s on a journey to the UK...
Tell us about your character
Rita is a 19 year-old Eritrean girl. I can’t say too much without giving away spoilers, but she’s on a journey to the UK - and finds herself in a totally different country, with a different language and a different culture, and she finds Green, Toby Jones’ character. She tries so hard to fit in. The language barrier in particular - I can relate to that.
Tell us about the comedy of the show
For Rita, it’s about confusion. She thinks what she’s saying is normal because she doesn’t quite know what she’s saying. But for the others it’s funny. Rita doesn’t really realise that.
What’s it been like working with Toby Jones?
It’s my first time doing anything like this - and he’s been great! He’s been very supportive. He’s made me feel like it’s ok to ask questions. I’ve been thrown in the deep end and he’s been so supportive. He’s such a great actor.
What has the experience of working on this been like for you?
It’s a whole new world. I’ve never been in anything like this before. It’s my first time. In Eritrea everything I did I had to bring my own clothes and costumes - but here they even gave me my own socks! It’s a whole new experience! It’s great.
How did you get involved?
A friend showed me a post on Instagram that said they were looking for an Eritrean girl, so I sent a message and here I am!
What can audiences expect from the series?
The show gets you to look at people who you don’t often think about - and how big an impact an individual can have on another person’s life. It gives you an understanding of what might be going on in other people’s lives. You can never really assume anyone’s journey without getting to know them.
The diversity of the characters within the series is great. They’ve all got completely different personalities to each other but they all get along. I really hope people will like it!
Credits
Peter Green / Barry Green - Toby Jones
Fran - Claire Rushbrook
Joy - Marcia Warren
Squeaky Dave - Danny Kirrane
Kayla - Erin Kellyman
Rita - Luwam Teklizgi
Brad - Jo Eaton-Kent
Lech - Dino Kelly
Cameron - Harry Gaythwaite
Micheal - Tim Preece
Maureen - Carol MacReady
Colin - Stephen Bent
Parish - Krrish Patel
Manju - Bharti Patel
Kieran - Wils Whittington
Ade - Luke Sullivan
Executive Producers Jane Featherstone, Naomi de Pear
Created by Tim Crouch
Written by Tim Crouch and Toby Jones
Produced by Holly Pullinger
Directed by Tim Kirkby
