The Escape Artist: Toby Kebbell

Can you tell us why you wanted this role?

The reason I did this, although David is an excellent writer and it’s a brilliant script, is because of the director Brian Welsh. Brian is someone who wants that creativity from the actor. He has a project that is already very good and takes it to a different place.

What is it like playing the ‘bad guy’?

What’s interesting with playing Foyle is I get to make him a human being who is rounded and, hopefully, charming rather than just being the plain ordinary ‘bad guy’.

How do you approach a character like Foyle?

There is a lot of research to be done on psychopaths who spend their time dwelling in their darkest moments, so I did a lot of that but I found it relatively samey. I watched a lot of drama and plays. I often find that people want to paint themselves one colour – like I’m the baddie – and they’ve always got this snarl on their face. I wanted to make Foyle one of those people who you’re about to have a fight with but they’re laughing. They’re the people that really upset me. I’m not sure whether I’ve captured it, but the attempt is what I’m intrigued by – whether I’ve hit the nail on the head is not really the fascinating part for me, it’s that attempt to figure him out.

Tell us about your relationship with Simkins?

Simkins is my solicitor. He’s very well to do, very expensive. I want the best and I have the best in Simkins, but I keep him on edge. The way Foyle operates is that he likes to keep people on edge because if they’re not, then they don’t look at him with the respect he feels he deserves.

What are Foyle’s motives?

I don’t think Foyle actually wants to survive, I don’t think he’s pleased with anything he’s achieved – he just wanted to make a point. It’s a futile point and it’s a repulsive point but I think that is what’s driving Foyle. I don’t think he plans a lot of this out either. It’s chance what happens with Will and what happens with Maggie, it’s all just moments – he’s very adaptable. The story asks the question – who is the true manipulator? Is law purely manipulation or word play? I think Foyle thrives on that.

It’s quite a physical role – did you get into any training?

When you’re lucky enough to pay your bills through acting, staying healthy and fit is part of the job. I didn’t have to train but I’m lucky enough to be in a place where people are looking after my fitness and nourishment anyway.