Interview with Gillian Anderson who plays Gina and also Exec Producer

Can you describe Gina in four words?
Fancy, troubled, lonely and fabulous.

How would you summarise the series?
Trespasses explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the cost of crossing societal boundaries during a time of deep division.

Can you tell us about Gina, what attracted you to her?
I read the book a while ago and said yes to the series before it was set up, because I loved the book so much. At the time, I don’t think Gina was as present in the book as she is in the series but by the time scripts started coming in, she has expanded and I loved everything about how she was being written. I have played an alcoholic before in theatre but I've never really played a proper alcoholic at all, in film or television. So I wanted to play with that. I also love the relationship between Gina and Cushla, the mother daughter relationship… There were so many things about it that I loved.

Does Gina have any quirks or habits that you enjoyed or were interested in exploring?
She does. She's got a drinking habit, but she has got lots of quirks. Gina has big emotions and a really good heart, she's funny and pathetic.

Was there any preparation that you did to help you understand Gina better?
Predominantly working on the Northern Irish accent. That was mostly what it was. Yeah, it's a fun accent.

Did you like Gina's wardrobe?
I love Gina's wardrobe. Gina's wardrobe is so fabulous. I mean, it's really fabulous. She's got some house coats that are floral in multicolours, and lots of tunics, vests and shirts with patterns… Lots of 70s patterns. She's quite stylish I have to say.

What were your favourite lines from Gina?
I've got such good lines. I had a line the other day where Gina says “Eamon rang, the baby and Marian have constipation, you'll be eager to know” something like that. 

How was it working with your fellow cast, Lola and Tom?
Most of my work was with Lola who is an incredible young talent. I was struck on a daily basis with how different Lola and Cushla are in character and that in and of itself speaks volumes.

If you could steal one thing from the set, what would it be?
Oh, gosh, there is! If I were to steal something, it would be the little plastic duck in the kitchen, on the windowsill, that is just ridiculous and it's for nothing, but I've never seen one before. It's hilarious.

What was your most memorable moment or scene for you?  
There has been a lot of memorable scenes. One is when I'm very, very, very drunk and Cushla finds Gina in the bath and pulls her out and puts her to bed. She hasn't been able to get out of the bath herself. They also have a really lovely scene where Gina is cradling Cushla and trying to give her a pep talk with “you’ve got to carry what life throws at you”.

How does Gina grow or change over the course of the series? 
Gina is pretty much either drunk or dealing with a hangover throughout, so she’s pretty ragged. Then in the final episode, partway through, she cleans up and starts taking care of herself and you really see her being able to show up for herself as well as Cushla. It is quite touching and shows that somewhere in there, there was a strong, capable and gentle mother. You can see there are moments where she is trying to be a good mother but for the majority of the series, she just can’t because of the drink. Cushla is very much responsible for her, often putting her to bed. Gina and Cushla swap parenting roles on a daily basis which makes for great drama, levity and pathos.

What has been the most enjoyable thing about the project and playing Gina?
The most enjoyable thing about the project, aside from the fantastic scripts, are the actors. There’s a really, really good cast, obviously starting with Lola Petticrew. They are really fabulous and I think you will all agree… And also Martin McCan, who plays my son Eamonn. Everybody is really fantastic so it has been a pleasure to work with them.

What has it been like filming in Northern Ireland? 
I think it is the third or fourth time I've shot in Northern Ireland, I did a three-season series called The Fall and also Robot Overlords. There was another show, but I’m too old to remember those things. I love filming in Northern Ireland, I love the people and feel very comfortable and at home.

How did you get involved in Trespasses and why were you so passionate about seeing it on screen?
I had read the book and a friend of mine, who is a publisher, bid for the book in a highly competitive auction and won it, which was very exciting for her. I think, if I recall, we threw a dinner for the novelist Louise Kennedy, to celebrate. Amanda Posey, our Executive Producer, was there and over dinner, Louise asked if I'd be interested in playing Gina and I said yes. So that was that. Amanda ended up optioning it herself through Wildgaze Films. That seems like a very long time ago, but that is how it began.

Why should people watch Trespasses?
Because it is a beautifully shot quiet love story set against a real slice of Belfast life in the 70’s.