Madeline Appiah stars in Idris Elba’s award-winning comedy series In The Long Run. Bringing laughter and nostalgia Madeline plays Agnes Easmon, the mother in a West African family living in London during the 1980s. Emmanuella Ngimbi spoke to her about being raised in the ’80s, being African and playing Idris Elba’s wife
Congratulations on, In The Long Run, it’s such a funny and relatable show. Can you tell us about your character Agnes?
Agnes is the mother of Kobna, young Idris Elba, together her and her husband Walter have been living in the UK and raising their son in the 80s. She is Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean, a proud mum, a proud wife and real contributing member to her community.
How did you know that role was right for you?
I just saw so much of my own mother in that role and could really relate to that experience growing up in the 80s myself. The themes of motherhood is something I associate with because I am a mother myself and it’s just such a wonderful part because she is such a rounded character and for an actress to play all those emotions and have scenarios that she gets into, it’s just been amazing.
Growing up did you always want to become an actress?
I did, when I was very little but I was always creating with my sibling and my friends. I was always into performing and was really encouraged by my family because they would go along with me. I always loved the aspect of teaching and psychology as well but I feel like drama is the thing that I was the most alive in and had the most passion for.
Images courtesy of Sky One
Coming from an African background how was your acting aspiration met?
My family were so supportive, I think they knew I was a creative child and they knew that it was something that I did and enjoyed. That was one of the things I really respected about my parents they never forced me down any route. They believed in me when I came home after changing from doing psychology to definitely pursuing drama they were just so supportive.
You first began your acting career in the theatre how was it transitioning to TV?
It’s funny because my first job was actually Holby City so that was my first ever professional job but I got it at the same time as the play. Every now and again I did TV in things like Gavin and Stacey, The Bill and Eastenders. Acting is telling the story and I guess with stage and TV the main difference is your delivery. With stage when you’re performing you’re thinking of projecting to the audience and with film it’s different because sometimes you have to think about the camera angles, what shot they’re picking up, the repetition of scenes, angles and once it’s done it’s in the edit. With theatre, you get the next day to do it again because it’s live and you’ve got the audience.
In The Long Run, was loosely based on Idris’ upbringing; did you notice any similarities with yours?
Yeah, I did, growing up in West African home that culture and the presence of family. The importance of community in terms of when I grew up in the 80s we all knew the neighbours; we were all different and respected each other. That community feel really brings back memories for me, growing up my friends were Indian and White we all just respected each other’s cultures and got on, knew that we could meet in the square and have a good time.
Madeline Appiah, Idris Elba and Sammy Kamara
Images courtesy of Sky One
Most women would swoon over the idea of being Idris Elba’s wife, how has it been working alongside him?
It’s been great because I’ve been such an admirer of his work, I’ve really admired his journey and it’s been inspiring to see his rise before our eyes. He works so hard and has really created a lovely vibe on set; it’s a place where you want to bring your best. You don’t get a chance to have all those swooning things because you’re here to do your job and its professional and fun at the same time. The whole cast brings such a great feel; Bill Bailey brings his comedy and fun, Kellie (Shirley), Jimmy (Akingbola), Mattie (Boys) and Sammy (Kamara). When we came back to film season 2 it was like a family returning to set and we all had a good laugh.
The show is based in 1983 London, how has it been reliving the 80s?
It’s been great because Agnes’ one of those people where if a child’s misbehaving it might not be your child but you can tell them about themselves. There’s one scene where Kobna’s being chased by some boys and Walters knows who his dad is and goes to have a chat. The soundtrack, the costumes have been amazing and Amanda Monk did a great job at the costumes for us. In those days they had that green eye shadow and that kind of Oprah Winfrey hairdo with the curlers but that’s been awesome putting on those vintage coats, shoes and slippers. You go to set and feel transported to a different era and that authenticity is great. Even the food they really respected our culture and got catering that specialised in Jollof and plantain.
Images courtesy of Sky One
What would you like viewers to get out of the show?
Seeing the Ghanaians and Sierra Leoneans celebrated in prime TV its not really been done. I think is so beautiful, we are here and we’re not ashamed to be African. This is a really rich and proud culture and we can live together as a people even though we’re different. The common theme of family, community, love, dispute or conflicts all exists no matter what race or culture you are. Especially at a time of uncertainty where it’s so depressing, it’s nice to have a laugh about things. Even with the show there are things going on that are depressing but finding the comedy in it is great. The immigrant experience as well, to see people coming over here, there’s this perception that we sponge of society but actually we come and we add value, we’re here because we want to bring betterment for ourselves and the place that we live. So celebrating those stories and those voices.
What’s next for you, what can we look forward to?
At the moment I’m currently in Tina Turner in the musical, doing 8 shows a week, which is insane, but I have a great husband who is very supportive. I’m playing Zelma Bullock and I’m there until March having a great time. I’m working on a few projects for a short film at the moment but anything is possible I’m excited, being a mum and juggling life is being really great.
Watch In The Long Run on Sky One
