Interview with Jodie Comer
A chilling three-part drama, Rillington Place is based on the real-life multiple murders carried out by John Christie in Notting Hill in the 1940’s and 50’s.
Published: 22 November 2016
There seemed to be very little privacy in the house even though so much went on that people were unaware of.
What do you know about Tim and Beryl Evans?
Tim and Beryl are a young couple who are moving into this new home which is an opportunity for them to get their independence and start their own life. They’re full of character and charisma and they were very much in love with each other. These people had such a life in front of them and they had so much hope. They moved into this house and when me and Nico came onto the set we were like, “this is a bit grim”, but Craig reminded us that for them, it was their shot at making their own life. They have such energy and such a youth about them.
Do you think Rillington Place is a character itself?
The house brings a whole new feeling and atmosphere into the scenes, especially the capacity as it was very restricted. You could definitely feel the pressure of what it must have been like to live in those conditions, especially for Beryl who was a mother at a young age to then be in such a small space with so many people. There seemed to be very little privacy in the house even though so much went on that people were unaware of.
What made you want to be involved in the project?
I feel particularly passionate about being a part of Rillington Place because I’ve never had a job where I’ve felt so much responsibility and I’ve had to handle something with so much delicacy, because this story and these people were real. It’s important to make sure people are aware of the happenings and that Timothy Evans still hasn’t been given his innocence. I think it’s important for people to be aware of that.
How did you find the filming?
Nico and I had a lot of scenes together that were actually quite tough and emotional. It’s been really interesting to see Beryl and Tim, when they did arrive at the house, they weren’t too carefree but they had this opportunity ahead of them and slowly stresses started to take over. It’s been quite emotional to see that journey for the both of them but it’s been amazing to act. She was a strong woman with Tim. They’d argue but she could hold her own.
Did you enjoy working with such a young baby?
When I came onto this job and knew I had to be with the children, I was aware it’s such a responsibility having this fragile person who you have to take care of which I’m not used to. It’s been such a learning curve to realise that Beryl and Tim had so much going on in their own lives, or in their conversations, and you have this little person who you have to look after as well. You’re doing scenes and the baby might be screaming but naturally this is the norm and you have to carry on with what you’re doing day to day. To them this was just normal life.
