Lucy Griffiths, The Little House
26 October 2010



The Little House is a two-part psychological thriller adapted from the best-selling novel by Philippa Gregory and depicts a searing emotional power struggle between young wife Ruth Cleary and her mother-in-law Elizabeth. Lucy Griffiths, whose credits include Robin Hood and U Be Dead, and the legendary Francesca Annis play the warring women.

It’s heady stuff, which includes a look at the deeply upsetting condition of post-partum psychosis — a far more serious issue experienced by new mums than what is commonly dubbed ‘the baby blues.’

TV Choice hooked up with Lucy, along with Rupert Evans, who plays her husband Patrick, and Tim Pigott-Smith, who plays her father-in-law Frederick, to find out more about the drama.

What are your characters like?
Lucy Griffiths: Lucy is a primary school teacher, happily married to Patrick. She was orphaned at a young age in a car accident caused by her mother. At the beginning, she seems very upbeat and together, and then she goes on a massive downward spiral. You begin to learn why she’s like that, and where her anxieties come from.
Rupert Evans: Patrick is a conventional middle-class boy — very Home Counties, with traditional values. Subconsciously, he sees his wife’s role as a mother. Cracks in the marriage form when Patrick’s expectations aren’t fulfilled and his yearning for a family means he manipulates Ruth and formulates a situation where she gets pregnant, even though it’s not what she really wants.
Tim Pigott-Smith: The in-laws, Elizabeth and Frederick, are hugely wealthy — they live in a phenomenal house in 'Tory-on-Thames'. Frederick has allowed the family to be dominated by his wife — she’s very much a powerful matriarch. The drama is partly about the power mothers have over their sons.

Lucy, did you have to do much research for the role?
Lucy Griffiths: Not much, because I already knew a bit about post partum psychosis, through family and friends. It’s not the reason I took the role — I just thought the story was brilliant — but hopefully it will inform people about the condition.

What was it like acting with a baby?
Lucy Griffiths: I loved it. We had two sets of twins and a newborn, which I was nervous of because it was so delicate! The older babies were a perk. They didn’t cry, and were so beautiful. And one, Jack, wouldn’t bend in the middle! He was so funny. I love babies, but I’m not broody for my own yet!

Why is the drama called The Little House?
Lucy Griffiths: Frederick and Elizabeth buy the house that’s next door to their land. In the beginning, Ruth doesn’t want it. Then she gets pregnant, and is almost pleased, but then she sees the reality of being on the in-laws’ doorstep. Even the decorating of the little house is controlled by Elizabeth. Ruth doesn’t find it too intrusive…
Tim Pigott-Smith: …but when people do too much for you it’s a form of ownership. You get the feeling that something sinister is going on…

Will people be shocked by what happens to the baby?
Tim Pigott-Smith: Yes. It’s a bit Baby P territory.
Lucy Griffiths: It’s disturbing rather than shocking. It’s not too graphic.

And finally, what was it like working with Francesca Annis?
Lucy Griffiths: Francesca said to me that she’s never done five films in a month, so people don’t get sick and tired of her work. She’s taken time off and had three children, and done good work. She’s had a full life — she works to live, which is much better than the other way round.

By Martina Fowler & Sue Malins


Lire l'article original : http://www.tvchoicemagazine.co.uk/interviewextra/lucy-griffiths-little-house