Interview with Laura Checkley (Theresa)

Were you a fan of series one? What stood out to you?

Oh, my goodness! Well firstly, I’ve been a fan of Bridget, for such a long time. I watched the first series and I just thought, “Oh my god, I would actually die to be in that!” I’ve also just recently hit perimenopause, so it really spoke to me. I absolutely fell in love with that first series so when Bridget approached me about playing Theresa I didn’t even hesitate. I didn’t need to know how much I was in. It was literally just “Yes, I will do one line. I will even clean the trailers!”

Everything stood out about it – Bridget is an exceptional writer, and it was just really refreshing to just see women being open and forthright about menopause and it’s done in such a clever, charming and nuanced way. 

I particularly remember a scene in the first series, with the two Eel Sisters (played by Monica Dolan and Susan Lynch), Linda (played by Bridget Christie) and Joy (played by Tanya Moodie). They were all talking about not being able to find the simplest of words and just menopause in general and the effect it has. It was just really touching and funny and I thought that’s probably one of the best scenes I’ve seen written in a very long while. So, it was a no brainer when Bridget came to me to ask me to be a part of it.

How did you feel about Bridget’s vision for series two?

You know when you think, “How can this get any better?” And it just does. There’s a nice build in the series, it’s really clever. It builds to this beautiful scene with Bridget and us, the two Eel sisters - it’s going to be a really special episode. What’s lovely about characters returning for a second series is that you can just hit the ground running with the plot and the story. This series cleverly picks up from the moment you left them at the end of series one. It’s just so funny, touching and everything you want it to be. And then some!

You filmed in the Forest of Dean. How did that environment influence your experience on set?

It’s so beautiful it creates a really zen way of working and how everyone communicates - The Change has a beautiful pace and gentleness to it and that scenery just takes your breath away. I’d never been to the Forest of Dean so when we finally saw the Eel Café, sat in the heart of the forest, there was no acting required. It’ just so beautiful - I used to walk around and drink it all in. The Eel Sisters are particularly at one with nature and I’m a real believer in getting on to set or location and getting into costume – and knowing that it’ll all come together! It was stunning and we were really lucky with the weather, the ducks would wander around whilst we were filming. It was a joyous way to work.

What were your first impressions of your character, Theresa, and how did those evolve over the course of filming?

I felt quite a lot of pressure coming into this because everyone had already established their characters. And also, because I was a huge fan of the show and Bridget. I really wanted to get it right – and I particularly loved the Eel Sisters. When Bridget said to me, “You’re characters just out of prison,” and I was like “Say no more, I’m in!”

I didn’t even need to read the script; I already knew the writing was brilliant. From watching Monica and Susan do it so brilliantly, I knew where to start with Teresa. They’re one and the same, the Eel Sisters, they’ve all got their own personalities, but they’re in unison always. It’s always tickled me that they just suddenly appear as a pair. They don’t beat around the bush, they’re straight up and Theresa is exactly the same, but cockier. And she speaks to birds which is fun.

What do you think the show says about the theme of community, particularly among women? How does Theresa’s relationship with her sister Agnes play into this?

I think the message I really got whilst watching series one, as a woman, and particularly a woman of a certain age, is that community works, feeling part of something just makes people happier. I’ve always been quite envious of community because I’m a Londoner, and London is transient, it doesn’t have a massive sense of community. But it’s important to have community, and particularly, to have a female community around you. The Change says to me sisterhood is vital and it really highlights the importance of sisterhood.

How would you describe Theresa’s character in a few words?

I would literally just say, “Don’t mess with her!”

What has been your favourite scene from series two?

I’ve got a few. I loved everything I did with Susan, of course. I love any scene where it’s me, Susan, and Bridget, the three of us. I also always have fun working with Jim Howick too- I just wish I had more scenes with him. I’ve worked with him before and it was such a pleasure to get to be silly with him again.

There’s a scene in episode five which really sticks out to me and is part of the build I was referring to earlier. It’s honestly so beautiful; We didn’t speak for like two days which was nice cos it was my first couple of days on set so took the pressure off, and we were capturing this beautiful dinner scene… and then The Verderer comes in and ruins it all! But that sticks out to me – it’s a really special moment in the series, and you could feel it when we were shooting it.

I also love my entrance when I’m released from prison, and Agnes picks me up in the truck. I don’t know why but I’ve always wanted to film a scene where I’m coming out of some prison gates, feel like I’ve ticked a life box somehow. A scene like that where you get to establish your character. That’s quite iconic, just the image of that – that was pretty cool!

Would you be friends with Theresa?

Maybe in another life! I feel like I’d be friends with a lot of characters I’ve played because I always base a lot of characters on people I know or girls I’ve went to school with- so I think I would! She’s a real deep thinker, a real sister and fiercely loyal. She’s got your back and she’d be really good in an emergency. She’s based on someone I went to school with – very loosely! And watching the sisters from series one also definitely informed my character choices.

Is there an aspect of Theresa’s character that you’d like to embody more in your own life?

Yeah! To just say what’s on your mind and not give a rat’s what anyone else thinks. She goes around with zero worry or guilt over anything. She says it how it is. There’s loads of things about her I love but mostly it’s her honesty.

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

To be kinder to Linda – definitely. She wouldn’t listen though!

What do you hope viewers will take away from the series after watching series two?

I hope people laugh and forget about their problems for a bit and that it resonates somehow. The beautiful thing about The Change is that different characters will resonate with different people at different stages in their life, it covers so many parts and corners of this bonkers old life. 

Also, going back to the themes of community and the sisterhood, I just hope it encourages people, especially women, to be sisters. Women need to stick together more than ever, and I hope more people continue to talk about menopause. And men - just do better! [laughs]