Michael Sheen on Prince Andrew, Port Talbot and Keir Starmer
Sep 3, 2024
auto_awesome
Michael Sheen, acclaimed actor known for his role as Prince Andrew in a recent drama, dives deep into his portrayal of the controversial royal. He shares his insights on navigating the ethics of representing real figures with complex backgrounds. The conversation shifts to the political landscape, with Sheen critiquing the stagnation in the two-party system and calling for transformative changes. Plus, enjoy some light-hearted banter about impersonations and upcoming projects, highlighting his charm and wit.
Michael Sheen reveals that his portrayal of Prince Andrew was driven by a compelling narrative rather than merely playing a character.
Sheen discusses the urgent need for political change in response to public discontent and the frustration with current governmental choices.
Deep dives
Michael Sheen's Transformation for the Role
Michael Sheen discusses the intricacies involved in portraying Prince Andrew in a new drama. He emphasizes that his decision to take on the role was driven by a compelling narrative rather than a desire to play a specific character. Sheen explains how he approached aspects of guilt and innocence by analyzing the ambiguity surrounding Prince Andrew's actions, which were pivotal to his interpretation. This nuanced perspective allowed him to navigate the complexities of the character without compromising the integrity of the drama.
The Impact of Journalism on Royal Lives
The podcast highlights how journalism plays a significant role in shaping the public's perception of the royal family, particularly after the infamous Newsnight interview with Prince Andrew. Sheen notes that the drama takes a closer look at the relationship between the monarchy and the media, revealing the fallout from the interview. The story interrogates not only the consequences for Andrew but also the impact on the victims involved and the broader public reaction. This exploration raises questions about the limitations and responsibilities of journalism in their portrayal of such sensitive subjects.
Exploration of Personal Relationships
Sheen reflects on the complexity of portraying Prince Andrew's personal relationships, particularly with his family, to create a well-rounded character. He discusses showing Andrew as a father, which adds layers to the character and challenges audiences' preconceived notions about him. This portrayal creates a duality, as his tender moments with his daughters contrast starkly with the serious allegations surrounding him. Sheen's aim is to evoke empathy while still acknowledging the darker aspects of Andrew's life, thus inviting the audience to engage with the character on multiple levels.
Political Reflections on Current Times
The conversation dives into the political landscape, with Sheen sharing his observations on the current government and the public's discontent. He highlights the pressing need for radical change within the political system, noting the frustration among voters due to perceived limitations in their choices. Sheen draws parallels between current politics and past social upheavals, emphasizing how people's feelings of disenfranchisement can lead them to embrace extremist views. This insight reflects a broader societal concern about the future and the potential for transformative leadership.
Actor Michael Sheen joins us today to discuss his latest role playing a royal - Prince Andrew in Amazon's three part drama 'A Very Royal Scandal', based on the Newsnight interview Emily did with him in 2019.
He tells us what he privately decided about Prince Andrew's character before he accepted the part - and he tells us what he thinks of Keir Starmer's early days and what needs to needs to happen politically.
He also takes us back - metaphorically - to his home town Port Talbot - which has seen the docking of its final ship in the steel making business for which it was formerly famed.
There's also competition to win a special prize to come into the studio and watch the News Agents in person. All you need to do to enter is pre-order a copy of Jon's book from the link below.