Downton Abbey’s Daisy star Sophie McShera on ‘powerful’ new role in The Gallows Pole
ok.co.ukAfter years of playing a humble scullery maid in Downton Abbey, Sophie McShera was thrilled to land a “lady of the manor” role in a gripping new period drama.
Sophie stars as powerhouse Grace in acclaimed film director Shane Meadows’ BBC drama The Gallows Pole. “Maybe I’m delusional,” Sophie, 37, says. “But this feels like my version of lady of the manor because she’s right up there.” “Grace is in charge, she’s respected in that community, as it goes on, she’s powerful.
And that’s as ‘lady of the manor’ as you could get. It felt amazing getting to play someone with that kind of status.” The Gallows Pole is an adaptation of Benjamin Myers’ novel and is based on a remarkable true story.
It focuses on David Hartley who, in 18th-century Yorkshire, assembled a gang of weavers and land workers, known as the Cragg Vale Coiners.They embarked upon a revolutionary criminal enterprise producing fake gold that became one of the biggest frauds in British history.Taking on the lead in the three-part series is This Is England actor, Michael Socha, 35, who felt the role was hugely important. “I took this part so seriously, more so than any other job in my life,” says Michael. “Because you’re playing a bloke who existed, and we were actually filming 10 metres away from my character’s grave.
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