Interview with Jim Howick (The Verderer)

What were your initial thoughts when you read the scripts for series two?

I was initially quite pleased because it seemed like my part had got bigger [laughs]! In this series, The Verderer takes on a main antagonist role, and he represents the misogynist pushback against everything that's been riled up in the village. 

The Verderer is a complex, angry character. How do you find his human side as an actor, and what draws you to play him?
It's a very different part from what I usually play and that's what attracted me to the part in the first place. I usually play quite friendly, sunny, easy-going characters and this guy is a very angry and bitter man, but at the heart of it, I think he's actually just quite isolated, lonely and needs a cause. He needs a friendship group as his worldview is adjusted by his loneliness and his isolation in the world. He's very angry and reactionary and that's his role in the show; pushing back against anything that he considers to be an attack on his traditional values meanwhile desperately trying to hold on to whatever it is that that makes those values worthwhile. 

Why do you think it’s important to have a character like The Verderer in the story with his particular views?
What Bridget does so well, in crafting this character, is that he represents a certain view that is loud at the moment and it's frighteningly becoming more powerful in the world. He represents a reactionary and illogical viewpoint and is essentially a human block to any kind of forward-thinking enterprise in the world.

How is The Verderer different from other roles you’ve played, and what do you enjoy about portraying him?

Yeah, it’s fun to play someone who is angry and a bit despicable; those are the most delicious parts because it takes you out of your comfort zone. This character is a fool who likes the sound of his own voice and gets riled up really easily. He doesn't realise that he's the court jester of the piece because he's so trumped up and he's got such an ego and such an image complex. He believes that he's got a loyal bunch of cheerleaders behind him and unity with the men of the town but what he quickly learns is that there's only so far you can take it before humanity steps in. It's a testament to Bridget's incredible writing, and it be a disservice not to go deep into the serious themes of the show however, there's a lot of fun to be had and there is a lot of silliness and what Bridget does so well is earn that silliness. That’s something that the masters of their craft do and it’s an absolute pleasure to play. 

Series two delves into the witchcraft theme. How much did you know about the history of witch trials before filming series two, and did you do any research?

I knew a fair bit from my time on Horrible Histories and Ghosts. I think The Verderer probably would have loved to exist at that time or maybe it would have changed his worldview; maybe he would have realized just how horrific that was. He represents the futility of misogyny, the pointlessness of it. 

Is there anything about The Verderer’s character that you wish you could embrace more in real life?

No, not really! I feel sorry for The Verderer, I don't envy any aspect of life at all. Let’s try and be generous, maybe I do like his interest and the time he takes to appreciate nature. There are some positive aspects to this character, there are chinks of light and I feel there are moments in the show where The Verderer shares a common ground with everyone else. And that just highlights how futile the bickering and the misogyny is. But I like nature anyway, I walk my dogs and I go to the beach so I am present in that respect so there’s nothing of The Verderer’s character that I would embrace.

What’s been your favourite scene to film this series?

The standout scene for me to film was the scene where we were about to go on a ‘mob’ march to the Eel Café. It was a scene filmed in the radio cafe with all the men of the town, with their placards. The Verderer gives a galvanising, call to arms speech, Les Mis style. It was an absolute joy and a pleasure to work with Mackenzie Crook as a director. He created such an enormous sense of calm on set and an incredibly collaborative environment for everyone. He really encouraged freedom in this scene, and I really felt that. That scene was the funniest thing to do, and the whole shoot actually was really fun, calm and enjoyable. I love working on a second series because you know the show has had kind reviews and people have been kind about the show and enjoy the show. It frees you and you’re able to push on. 

If you could give The Verderer any advice for series two, what would it be?

Obviously, he's hurting inside, he's depressed and he's lonely so the advice I would say to him is, “It is okay to be vulnerable. You don't need to shield your vulnerability with fear and hatred.”