Elaine Cassidy
Elaine Cassidy is back on TV scenes as she reprises the role of Lady Katherine Glendenning in the second season of The Paradise.
We caught up with the actress to chat about the show, what we can expect from the character this time around and what lies ahead for the actress.
- You are set to return to the role of Katherine Glendenning in The Paradise this autumn, so what can we expect from the show in series 2?
It is a bit meatier than season one; I think that is because they have already established the characters and there is a lot of setting up that needs doing.
There are a few new faces; that is nice as there are some new dynamics to be shared. There's plenty that is the same as last season, but it just feels a bit beefier because the storylines are constantly moving forward and moving on. There is definitely going to be plenty of drama.
- What was it about this character and script that initially drew you to this project?
She is so different to me, thank god. I think that it is always appealing to play characters that are so far from yourself, because it is more fun and more enjoyable. She is just such a great character as she is manipulative, smart and that poses a real challenge as an actress to play her.
To be honest, I really didn't know how much fun she was going to be: I really underestimated her. We keep on learning about the character and in different situations they can react in ways that you never thought about when you take on the part. Katherine has not been a let down at all, quite the opposite.
- And can you give us any little hints as to what is on the horizon for the character of Katherine this time around?
I think it is safe to say that Katherine is not very charitable, and she is not the kind of person to turn the other cheek and forgive and forget.
She is vengeful; if she has been hurt, her instincts are to hurt back and harder. Everyone who has watched the first season will know that she has been hurt badly - at the end of the season you see her jilted at the alter by Moray; a man whom she did love. So, it hurts even more and makes the sting even harder because she let him into her heart.
From Katherine's point of view, she comes back with a ready-made family and so that is a whole new area for her to explore. However, Moray and Denise are never far from her thoughts; they are the only thing on her mind. There are some storms - I don't think they are brewing; I think they are imminent.
- There is a new relationship in Katherine’s life this time around as she has a new husband called Tom Weston, so how are we going to see that relationship develop?
That is an interesting one because it is still a new relationship for them as well. They haven't yet fallen into a pattern that relationships do over time; they haven't found the groove yet.
Playing the scenes with these characters was so much fun because we didn't really know where the scenes were going to go. It is not a healthy relationship because it is dysfunctional - but then they are both dysfunctional.
- The series is loosely based on the novel by Emile Zola, so how familiar were you with the book before taking on this role? And have you used the book in any way while developing your character?
I am glad that you said loosely based, because that is exactly true. It is the same premise - in that it is set in a department store - and there are similar characters.
However, my character isn't even in the book. So there was nothing helpful in terms of character development, but it did give you a feel for that time; even though it is set in Paris.
However, in terms of how a department store of that time, it was helpful. I just found it interesting.
- The Paradise is set late 19th century so what sort of research did you do into this period when you were preparing to play this character?
The book was the biggest thing, and I had done period stuff before. To make it authentic you need to adhere to the rules and the etiquette back then; there were certain do's and don'ts. Last year, Katherine chose to break those rules as when you marry a widow, you had to wear a black wedding dress.
However, she had never been married before and thought 'sod that, I am having my white dress', and she chose to break that custom. Unless it is a conscious thing that the characters are doing, I think you have to play by the rules of the time.
- Away from The Paradise, you have also completed work on film The Loft, so can you tell me a little about that?
That was a great project. I am still waiting to see it. I had watched the original Belgian film, and I absolutely loved it; it was directed brilliantly and had great story and great suspense.
Normally, when really good foreign films get remade, they get destroyed because it is made American. They kept the special ingredient to that original film, and that was the director; he actually directed the remake.
You have to think that second time around it is going to be better because he will have learnt from the mistakes the from first time around. To be honest, there weren't many mistakes as it was just a really well made film. I am interested to see that, and if it is as good as the original. I have a feeling that it will be even better.
- Erik Van Looy is in the director’s chair for the film, so how did you find working with him? And what kind of director is he?
He is very quiet. He does give you notes when needed, but he does leave you alone if what you are doing is what he is happy with.
It was a very relaxed set, and I would love to work with him again. It really was very enjoyable.
- Throughout your career, you have moved between TV and film, so how do the two mediums compare?
My first love is film. It can be much slower paced. Music plays a bigger part a lot of the time.
In TV, the story is told more through dialogue rather than images; in a way, your job is hard in TV as you take on more responsibility of telling the story.
I am not afraid of hard work, but my personal preference is film. I love to be able to think and take things in.
- Finally, what is next for you?
I am going to be doing a project that I cannot talk about - I have signed a none disclosure agreement and so if I do talk about it; I could be sued, lose the job, or both. I am really excited about it.
There are also a few other things up in the air - as there always in. I will do this next project and then see what happens.
Elaine Cassidy plays Lady Katherine Glendenning in The Paradise which airs every Sunday at 8pm on BBC1