Tell us about the premise of the story.
Wicked Little Letters is based on a true story from the 1920s about a Christian woman called Edith Swan who, along with some other women in their seaside town, started to receive rather obscene poison-pen letters. Everyone suspects Edith’s potty-mouthed neighbour, Rose, is behind it all, but things are not quite as they seem. The whole thing escalates to become a huge scandal. It made the newspapers, and was even debated in parliament at the time until finally, the real culprit was found.
How would you describe Edith as a character?
It’s safe to say she has two sides to her. Edith is a woman who has been held back and repressed, but she also has a wild side waiting to burst out. When that finally happens, she is rather out of control. She was a lot of fun to play, I have to say.
How do you think you would deal with someone writing nasty things about you?
I wouldn’t want to know. That’s why I never read anything about myself online. You never know what you might find, but I certainly wouldn’t find it funny.
I believe in the old saying that if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
There is a lot of swearing in the film. Did you find yourself swearing more at home because of all that cursing on set?
Not at all, pretty much in the same way that if I happen to play an axe murderer,
I wouldn’t suddenly become one in my private life (laughs). I do love swearing, but I wouldn’t say this role has made me do it any more or less. It’s acting.
Wicked Little Letters has a strong female cast as well as a female director. Is that something that made you want to be a part of it?
I was mostly attracted by the story and amazing script. The fact there are women at the centre of all of it was secondary. But, more than half the population are women, so it is good that we are finally seeing that reflected on the screen. For this, it was lovely to work with, not just women, but women of all ages. It was a beautiful experience.
Jessie Buckley plays Edith’s neighbour, Rose. How would you describe their relationship?
I think Edith really wanted to be Rose in a way. Back in the 20s, women like Rose were considered shocking for being open.
I think Edith and Rose are actually very similar. They should have been great friends, but society got in the way.
When do you feel most comfortable being yourself?
This is cheesy, but I am going to say when I am with my husband (Ed Sinclair). I can just be me when I am with him. I never have to explain how I am feeling with Ed. He knows when to talk about it and when to leave it. That is something he has taught me.
How did you start out in acting?
When I was 16, and I did my first school play. I was rubbish at school, but that was the moment I felt like I was actually good at something, and enjoyed doing it. I don’t know what I would have done otherwise.
What do your children think of what you do?
I’m pleased that they are not that bothered. As a family, we made a point of not making it seem important. They know I have a job I love, and that all I want is the same for them. I want them to have a work ethic.
Finally, who do you think Wicked Little Letters will appeal to the most?
I think it will appeal to all ages, male and female. I think everyone is aware today of the issue with anonymity and people thinking they can say something cruel to someone. It’s vile. The upset it causes and the mental health issues that come from the downside of social media is something we all deal with to some degree. This story reflects on that. It’s a true story that gripped the nation. People were shocked that someone could be so vile and cruel to someone, anonymously. I hope we are still shocked. We need to get to a place where no one is treated as a lesser being than anybody else.