Rogue element!
- Publication: TV Times
- Date: 2024-06-08
- Author:
- Page: 8
- Language: English
American star JONATHAN GROFF on joining the Doctor and Ruby for an escapade in Regency England The current series Doctor Who has given of BBC1's sci-fi epic us plenty of alien encounters and deep-space adventures. But there's something a little different on the cards in this week's sixth instalment when the 15th Doctor (played by Ncuti Gatwa) and companion Ruby Sunday (Millie Gibson) embark on a Bridgerton-style Regency-era caper!
After the TARDIS lands in 1813, the time-travelling pair talk their way into a grand ball at the Duchess of Pemberton's country manor, where they meet a stranger named Rogue (Glee and Frozen star Jonathan Groff) and the Duchess herself (The capture's Indira Varma).
'This was my favourite episode!' smiles Millie, 19. 'I felt like a princess in my Regency dress, I was just floating around:
'Millie and I didn't film together very much in this one because we were in separate story strands,' adds Ncuti, 31. 'But it definitely captures the Doctor and Ruby's cheekiness as they go off and have these individual scandals. It was a lot of fun!'
But danger is lurking within this world of genteel gatherings and glamorous gowns. And with the charismatic Rogue set to play a central role in proceedings, here, American actor Jonathan, 39, gives us his take on the tale and joining the Whoniverse...
This week's episode is called Rogue. What clues can you share with us about your character?
Rogue is an alien bounty hunter, and a man of mystery. When we meet Rogue, and he first meets the Doctor, we're in a Regency era. But Rogue is not necessarily who he appears to be...
Intriguing! How did the role come your way?
I got a text message from [Doctor Who showrunner] Russell T. Davies. I'm a huge fan of his work, especially It's a Sin [the 2021 C4 drama charting the 1980s AIDS epidemic], so I was very excited to hear from him!
Were you already familiar with the show before you signed up?
I knew of Doctor Who, and how much of a big deal it was in the UK, but I had never seen an episode of it. Russell sent me about five episodes of the show from throughout the years, including the very first episode that ever aired, in black and white [1963's An Unearthly Child]. So I had a quick crash course before I started.
And what was the most challenging aspect of joining the Whoniverse?
I would say the biggest challenge was trying to understand and fit into the tone of the show. You're coming in as a guest star, jumping into a world, and Doctor Who is such a specific thing!
In the episodes that Russell showed me, and in the experience of playing a role in it, Doctor Who has such a fascinating tone. It's big and larger than life, but it's also quite real and, even though it's fantasy, there's depth to the storytelling and the relationships.
How did you find working with Ncuti and Millie?
They were both so welcoming! Big smiles, and full of laughs and embraces; they could not have been more warm. As an outsider coming into the Whoniverse for the first time, they were the greatest hosts. They took such good care of me and truly everybody on the set!
I spent most of my time with Ncuti, and I am obsessed with him. I think he is such a star. He's so unpredictable and thrilling to act with - so spontaneous and yet deeply connected to what he's doing. I just adore him; I think he is one of the most exciting actors working today.
Finally, what was the most memorable thing that happened to you while you were filming?
It happened off-set! Beyonce was on her Renaissance World Tour I looked up the dates because I'm an obsessive fan, and I found out that she was playing Cardiff [where Doctor Who is filmed]. So I asked to be off by 4pm so I could make it to the stadium, and I brought Ncuti with me. We got to see the Renaissance World Tour together, and it was amazing!
DOCTOR WHO is previewed on pages 36-37
Captions:
Regency glamour: The Duchess with Lord Barton (Paul Forman, second from right)
Dancing delight: The Doctor and Ruby take to the floor
First Doctor: William Hartnell with co-star Carole Ann Ford
Period drama: Rogue (Jonathan Groff), Ruby and the Doctor
Behind the seams
In an exduslve interview, costume designer PAM DOWNE tells TV Times how she created the Regency attire
How complicated was it to make the period costumes worn by the Doctor and Ruby in this episode?
With the Doctor's Regency outfit, we had three fittings as it was important to get the look just right. Ruby's dress is a simpler cut - however, a lot of time was taken with the trim decoration around the neckline and sleeves. I would say it took about two weeks to create their outfits.
What was the inspiration behind the garments sported by Jonathan Groff as Rogue?
I went a bit off-period with Rogue. Myself and the executive producers wanted him in boots, rather than the delicate slippers that men in the Regency period would have worn to a ball, so he stood out as someone not concerned about conventions. I chose the blue/ purple wool and silks for his coat and waistcoat, and mixed them with black breeches to make him look dark and brooding, but also colourful.
Can you share some insights about the look for the Duchess, played by Indira Varma?
For Indira, I wanted a dark colour - indigo - as she was playing a formidable character and most of the other women were in pastels. I found some research about a popular Roman exhibition during the Regency period that influenced the fashion of the time fora while, hence the rope-style embroidery on her dress.
How did you balance the more rigid elements like corsets with the actors' need to move freely and perform stunts?
The Regency cut of womenswear doesn't require the long, heavily boned corsets of the Victorian and Edwardian eras - the corsets are short and follow the empire line of the dress. However, I decided not to use a corset for Ruby, but opted for a bodice petticoat. This meant she could move her upper body with ease.
What makes this era fun to work on as a costume designer?
I like doing this period very much. I think the cut of the menswear is flattering - they feel good wearing it and, most importantly, they own the look!
For the womenswear, the fun part is the decoration - much to my design assistants' dismay, I spend a lot of time sifting through mountains of trims to find the tiny, perfect piece to finish the look!
Caption: Unique look: These characters, known as Chuldurs, allowed for much creativity
Caption: Eye for detail: Costume designer Pam Downe
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