Victoria Broom discusses her new role in “I, Jack Wright,” on-set dynamics, and how her advocacy work shapes her growing influence in television.
In the competitive landscape of British television, few actors have navigated their career with as much authenticity and determination as Victoria Broom. From her riveting performances in “Marcella” and “Cheaters” to her latest role in Chris Lang’s captivating crime drama “I, Jack Wright,” Broom has established herself as a formidable talent with an unmistakable presence.
Her dedication extends to philanthropic causes close to her heart, including her work with Bloody Good Period and The Stroke Association.
In this exclusive interview, Victoria opens up about her journey through television’s golden age, her experience working with industry legends, her distinctive personal style, and the dream roles that still beckon on her horizon. With her signature candor and warmth, she offers an intimate glimpse into the life of an artist whose star continues to rise.
Victoria, you’ve had an incredible journey in television, from Marcella to Cheaters and now I, Jack Wright. What drew you to the role of Mary Robbins in this latest crime drama?
Thank you, yes I’ve worked on some incredible shows with incredible people; I’ve worked hard and am very grateful.
I auditioned for other Chris Lang shows before, and I’ve always loved his work and wanted to work on one of his shows. When I was sent this casting, the role just ‘clicked’.
I really connected to Mary and her journey. I love that throughout the series, you get to learn more about her as the show goes on, and when I was reading it, it was like peeling layers. Every page was a layer deeper into the world. I can’t wait for you to see it!
Chris Lang is known for his masterful thriller writing. How was the experience of working on a project crafted by such a renowned storyteller?
Chris is one of those writers that I think every actor strives to work with. His scripts are brilliant, his dialogue is brilliant, his vision is brilliant, all the work is in the writing, in the intricate details, he’s a genius at what he does.
He takes the audience on a journey, and every character has a story. He beautifully weaves multiple characters’ lives into a glorious web that the viewer will become addicted to.
With ‘I, Jack Wright’ the more times I read the script, the more I uncovered. I read the scripts multiple times and continued to find threads just waiting to unravel. It was delicious!
And it’s the same for watching his works on screen; the more you watch, the more subtle arches you find in the story.
I, Jack Wright, promises suspense, drama, and dark humour. Without giving too much away, what can viewers expect from your character and her role in the Wright family’s secrets?
Mary has been part of the Wright family for many years, she is fiercely loyal to the Wrights.
She is a very proud woman who takes her work and role within the family seriously and is very private about her personal life.
She has a young daughter and works hard to make sure she is taken care of.
She is a glorious, multifaceted character who you will learn more and more about over the course of the series.
There are many secrets, from all, just you wait!
With a cast that includes Nikki Amuka-Bird, John Simm, and Trevor Eve, the show is stacked with talent. What was the dynamic like on set?
Oh gosh, the dynamic was one of the most welcoming, wonderful sets I’ve ever stepped foot on. It was an absolute joy from being in the make-up trailer to being on that set, surrounded by such talent and generosity.
On my first day, all the whole cast was in; it was one of the biggest scenes in the series, so I met the entire cast on my first day! It was quite nerve-wracking.
But what was so glorious is that apart from Nikki and John, it was everyone else’s first day too, so we were all as nervous as each other.
And that just broke the ice beautifully.
Nikki and John are fantastic humans, so welcoming, it felt like we were all one happy team.
What was so humbling, we had some serious veteran talent on this show, like legends in the industry, and they too were just as nervous on their first day, and that just warmed my heart, knowing it wasn’t just me who gets first day nerves on set – I think all actors do.
Period dramas, thrillers, and intense character-driven narratives,what genres or roles excite you most as an actress?
I am desperate to do a courtroom drama. It’s a genre I’ve always wanted to do, I guess I’m fascinated by criminal law and the research that any actor would need to do for a role like that would be so intense and highly rewarding.
I also love Period Dramas, especially the restoration comedies. When I was at stage school I developed a love for the restoration era, the flamboyant clothing, make up, the exploration of sexuality, and non-conforming gender roles, the dialogue always witty, I found the restoration comedies a joy to be in and watch – bring that to the screen and I’m in!
As a leading actress, you’ve attended premieres, industry events, and red carpets. How would you describe your personal style when it comes to luxury fashion?
A lot of the time when you attend premieres/events, you have help choosing what to wear, or you have a selection to choose from.. so.. I love this! It’s so easy to then just put things together.
My own personal style, I take ages to decide what to wear!
I find Victoria Beckham fits me well and the cuts on her blouses are stunning! I recently wore one of her red blouses to LFW, and it went down very well.
I tend to wear a lot of autumnal colours – dark blues and dark greens – they make my ginger hair pop.
I love tailored shirts with big collars and cuffs as well as relaxed linen trousers and blazers, and always a fabulous handbag and heels!
I’m inspired by Cate Blanchet’s style; she always looks incredible, but being so much shorter than her, I’m not sure I could pull it all off!
I’m also a walking boots and Barbour jacket girl when in the country.
I guess you would say I am very classic about my style, and I go bolder when outfits are chosen for me – I trust the stylists and designers.
From filming locations to personal travels, where have been some of the most inspiring destinations that have left a lasting impression on you?
I’ve been lucky to film in some glorious parts of the world. One that really stood out to me was when I spent a month in Istanbul. I was filming in 3 different parts of Turkey, and Istanbul was such a wonderful experience. Still to this day, so many years later, it is one of my favourite places.
It was a place that was never really on my radar before, so I had no expectations.
I was filming with an American production, and we had local guides to take us around the city during rest days.
The food, the people, the mosques, the culture, the hidden restaurants and bars, the glorious smells, the sounds, the views, the people, the interiors; it really was an experience I will never forget.
A particular memory – we were taken to a small run down alley in the middle of the city and entered what looked like a derelict building, we took the creaking lift to the top (I must admit I was nervous!), and what opened in front of us was the most glorious view overlooking the blue Mosque and the whole of Istanbul. I tasted the best chargrilled John Dory of my life, and it was just a relaxing, beautiful experience and what felt like on top of the entire city.
If you could indulge in one ultimate luxury experience,be it a couture piece, a dream trip, or an exclusive event,what would it be? I love the outdoors and being in nature, mountains, country, and forests.
So, something outdoors, maybe hire a private island, but it has to be mountainous (I am obsessed with mountains), where there are no phones, no wifi, no tv, just a total switch-off from the world with my loved ones. Open fires, beautiful walks, glorious foods and incredible wines, my favourite champagne.. yep.. perfection.
I would also love a Couture Oscar De La Renta dress – but maybe I wouldn’t take that on an island.. actually.. it’s my own private island.. yes, yes I would totally take it with me!
You’ve been named one of the most influential LGBTQIA+ people in the UK. How do you view your role as a public figure in advocating for representation in the industry?
I’m passionate about authentic queer female voices being heard, in front and behind the camera.
I will always champion for more queer female and lesbian stories to be heard, as well as seeing that authenticity on screen. It’s important to not just see queer stories on screen, but to have queer writers writing those stories, that authenticity is vital. Look at how raw, authentic and real ‘It’s a Sin’ was, because it came from a queer writer, with lived experiences. That authenticity in the media is important.
Your work with charities such as Bloody Good Period and The Stroke Association highlights your dedication to important causes. What drives your passion for philanthropy?
I can talk about periods all day! I’ve suffered terribly from a young age with heavy, severely painful periods, and I’ve always been vocal about that struggle and trying to remove the taboo around periods. When I met the team at Bloody Good Period, I knew I wanted to be an ambassador for them. They are fighting to remove the stigma around period poverty and help thousands of menstruating people get the products they vitally need during their menstruation. They really are a wonderful charity really making a difference to people’s lives, and I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for them.
The reason I became involved with the Stroke Association is because Stroke devastated my family, and we knew nothing about Stroke and the affects it has on the victim as well as the families.
My gran died of a stroke 11 years ago and even since her first attack, I wanted to know more about it.
Over the years, I have worked with the Stroke Association to help spread the word of the new medical research they have funded to understand stroke in the early stages, to understand stroke and for continued development into stroke research.
I think it’s important to give your time to things that mean something to you and to use the platform you have to raise awareness for them.
Have you ever encountered challenges in your career due to the industry’s evolving approach to diversity and inclusion, and if so, how have you navigated them?
The industry has changed over the last 20 years, it’s had to.
I remember when I first started acting, there were very few Queer characters on screen, even less queer female characters.
When I first moved to London and was navigating the film festivals, I got so annoyed that every film festivals ‘gay and lesbian’ section only featured queer male films, so I wrote and produced my own lesbian short film, because no queer female content was being made. (I must add, the short did go on to win awards😉 ) , so since that time, visibility has grown.
The world has changed, and the media needed to catch up.
Many actors have rituals or habits when preparing for a new role. Do you have any personal methods to get into character?
Something I do before every day of filming is I have a nighttime ritual which allows me to get into a clear headspace, relax my nervous system and really focus on becoming that character.
I do a total relaxation prep – body scrub, body butter, relaxing hair mask, face mask, I light a candle and just relax.
Filming days can be long, and to do my best work, I need to be fully focussed on the task at hand, so I wipe away the day and am ready and set for the day ahead.
And yes, I do this EVERY night while filming.
To get into character on the days of filming, I arrive with a total clean slate (thanks to the nighttime rituals).
I am ready to start rebuilding who I am in these moments of filming, who my character is. You are wearing their clothes, you are moving like them, you are thinking like them; if you come as a blank canvas, you can build onto it and live it.
Every day, I understand where I am in my character’s journey, what has happened before these scenes and what I want to get out of the scene, those subtle objectives.
I know my characters inside and out. You have to live and breath them and where they are in their journey.
Looking ahead, are there any dream roles or projects you’re hoping to take on in the near future?
I’m very open to all that crosses my path. I have some interesting options on the table, but let’s see what’s next. I’m certain it will be exciting, and I am manifesting that courtroom drama 😊
If you could work with any director, past or present, who would be at the top of your list and why?
I would have loved to work with Ridley Scott since the first time I saw Alien. He was someone I loved. It was released in 1979 and still, to this da,y stands the test of time.
I am keen to work with 3 ‘creators’/showrunners .. Russell T Davies, Sally Wainwright and Ryan Murphy. I’m obsessed with everything these three do!
For those aspiring to enter the world of acting, particularly in prestige television and film, what advice would you give based on your own experiences?
Every journey will be different, but one thing you can guarantee is there will be rejections along the way, and that’s ok!
It’s not personal; take aspects of those rejections and use them to your advantage.. grow from them and learn to harness your craft and power.
There is only one of you, and no one can do you better than YOU! You got this!! XXX
Images:
Photographer – Jemima Marriott
Stylist – Prue Fisher
Hair & Make Up – Megan McPhilemy
