Newcomer Agnes O’Casey hit the jackpot when she landed the part of Vivien Epstein in the tense political drama Ridley Road. Not only is it a debut TV role to die for, but she also gets to lead a star-studded cast that includes Eddie Marsan, Tracy-Ann Oberman, Rory Kinnear, Tamzin Outhwaite, Danny Hatchard, Samantha Spiro, and Tom Varey.
The four-part drama starts on PBS in May — plus all four episodes are also available on BBC iPlayer, in the UK. It has been adapted from Jo Bloom’s acclaimed novel, based on true events, that is set on Ridley Road in London’s East End during the early 1960s.
Agnes O'Casey (who's also sometimes known as Aggi), plays Vivien, a young Jewish girl from Manchester who travels to London looking for her lover, Jack Morris (Tom Varey). Vivien discovers he’s infiltrated the fascist group The National Socialist Movement (NSM), led by the fanatical right-winger Colin Jordan (Rory Kinnear), which is calling for the removal of Jews from Britain.
Jack is working undercover for the Jewish resistance organization, The 62 Group, alongside her uncle Soly (Eddie Marsan). So when Jack goes missing Vivien comes up with a risky plan to find him. She infiltrates the group of far-right extremists herself and tries to seduce its very dangerous leader, Colin.
Here, Agnes, who is the great-granddaughter of Irish playwright Seán O'Casey, reveals much more about Ridley Road…
Tell us more about your Ridley Road character Vivien Epstein
Agnes O'Casey: “When you meet Vivien, she’s living a comfortable, middle-class life in Manchester. But then we see her run away to London and go on a journey of complete transformation.
“Playing someone so empowered and brave is lovely. Being able to watch Vivien’s mind as she makes decisions about how to take control and look after the ones she loves has been an education for me. Also, the set and costumes are absolutely magic.”
What was it like landing your first TV role?
Agnes O'Casey: “I auditioned for a film that was going to be directed by Lisa Mulcahy, who is also the director on Ridley Road, and she put me forward for this. When I was auditioning, I never assumed I would get it – it was just too much of a dream. It was in lockdown so I had a Zoom audition in my bedroom.
"It’s been hard at times and a huge challenge, but it’s a huge gift. The thing I found most challenging was doing service to Vivien – the stakes are so high for her all the way through. Physically that’s quite exhausting so I’ve been sleeping quite well.”
“I got so much advice and care from both Eddie Marsan and Tracy-Ann Oberman (who plays Vivien’s aunt, Nancy). I was terrified because this is such a huge role and I’ve never done any screenwork before. I was blessed by my cast. I get emotional thinking about it.”
Did you do any research for the show?
Agnes O'Casey: “I have a Jewish grandfather who I never met. He died when my dad was 21. Dad hadn’t really spoken much about him, so that’s where I began. I talked to him about my grandad’s experience. I found loads of documents and pictures. Our writer Sarah Solemani (Chivalry, Him & Her) has been incredibly helpful, she sent me material to read and put me in touch with her Rabbi.”
What do you hope the audience will take from the show?
Agnes O'Casey: “I really hope that people take it how it’s meant – with heart and love. I hope people watch it and understand. It’s a part of history that’s been totally forgotten.”
More related Ridley Road content
- Tamzin Outhwaite on Ridley Road — "I felt like it was really my hair salon"
- Rory Kinnear interview: "Colin continued his diatribe of hate until the end"
- Tracy-Ann Oberman Ridley Road interview: "Nancy is brave, fearless and clever"
- Danny Hatchard reveals the motivations behind his Ridley Road character
