Interview with Andrew Buchan

Tell us about your character, Ephra Stein. 

Ephra and his sister Nessa have both had to take on an enormous responsibility after their father was killed, not only familial responsibility as they only have each other, but also the weight of the company. And that makes him grow up exceptionally fast. It forces him to make bad decisions as well as some good ones, and through the bad ones he creates quite a few enemies along the way.

Are Ephra and Nessa close as a result of their experiences? 

Ephra and Nessa really do need each other, they cling to each other. And in amongst the business and the politics and the revolving doors of it all, often what they’re longing for is to give each other a hug and say it’s ok. However, because they’re often in the public eye, plonked in front of huge groups of people on stages at conferences, they often have to maintain a sharpness and public persona. 

What were your thoughts when you first read the script? 

When you read it, it’s agonising because you think – come on, give these people a break - they’re desperately trying to create peace and do the right thing by everyone. Yes, that involves a certain amount of change, but good change – let’s go with them on that journey. I remember reading it, right from the word go, my jaw just seemed to be on the floor. It’s a page-turner and that’s a given – I don’t want to sound clichéd because actors always say that don’t they, but it genuinely, genuinely was a page-turner.