"I STEPPED OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE TO PLAY WEREWOLF ... AND LOVED IT."
Just what has happened to Robson Green ? Once Britain's housewives' choice, his latest role seems him transformed into a werewolf in Being Human.
Over the last two decades, in Soldier Soldier, Reckless, Touching Evil, Grafters, Northern Lights and Wire In The Blood, it seemed as if the Geordie star was never off the box.
In 1995, he became a reluctant pop star when he and co-star Jerome Flynn sang Unchained Melody in an episode of Soldier Soldier.
A then unknown, Simon Cowell snapped them up and the song went to No.1 for seven weeks. They had two further chart-topping singles and albums.
For the last couple of years, Robson, 46, has given dramatic roles a wide berth, presenting offbeat TV shows such as Extreme Fishing and Wild Swimming Adventure.
But playing werewolf McNair in Being Human, involving five hours in make-up to transform his looks, turned out to be one of the best acting experiences he's ever had.
He said: "Well, hand on heart, in the 26 years I've been an actor, I can count on one hand in terms of really enjoying the experiences and Being Human was one of them.
"It was so different and so unexpected. It was just more for myself rather than the audience if that makes sense.
"You know I was really stepping outside of my comfort zone in many ways and I think it has paid off.
"I used to always do mainstream drama - 'Oh, he's the detective in this, the romantic lead in this'. It was very formulaic drama.
"I'm going to go left-field a bit in the next couple of years."
Despite taking on fewer roles recently, Robson has been far from idle, running his company Coastal Productions which he set up in 1997.
He said: "I've done 10 years of getting the company off the ground, selling programmes around the world, pitching and getting the finance.
"Other people are going to do that now and I'm just enjoying acting."
His son Taylor, with second wife model Vanya Seger, is also enjoying it.
Robson said: "He's 10 and loves all this. Playing a clinical psychologist, putting villains behind bars and saving people from imminent death - that's rubbish. But this is fab."
Robson, of Hexham, Northumberland, is one of a number of guest stars - who include EastEnders' Lacey Turner - appearing in series three of Being Human.
In the cult supernatural show, Robson's character is abducted by four vampires and has to fight for his life in the cage of a werewolf.
He wins but is scarred by the werewolf and becomes one himself. He is seen 16 years later with a son, Tom (Michael Socha), hunting vampires and, in particular, their leader Herrick (Jason Watkins) who turned McNair into a werewolf.
Robson is thrilled with his first taste of the supernatural.
He said: "The one thing I had said to my agent was, 'Get me something offbeat, unusual, something that is against the tide in what people see me in usually'.
"I was on the set of Joe Maddison's War with Derek Jacobi when the phone rang and Michael said, 'How do you feel about playing a werewolf?'. I said no at first, but then he told me it was for Being Human and I said, 'I'll do it. I'll do it tomorrow.'
"Derek said, 'A werewolf in Being Human, that's a masterstroke. You'd be marvellous. Will one be donning fangs?'
"It was just fabulous and I was so excited.
"It was an absolute thrill and it's one of those few jobs where money wasn't important.
"It was just to improve as an actor, just to have the chance to develop and take on an exciting challenge."
Robson is no stranger to the show. A friend of his, Declan O'Dwyer, directed the pilot. And the actor revealed that within the business, Being Human is greatly respected, especially for its make-up.
Like his character, Robson didn't shy away from being transformed into a wolf.
He said: "You can't really bottle out of it.
"You can't be embarrassed about anything or hold back on it.
"It's cathartic and wonderful to do."
But the part demanded more than just make-up for the transformation.
So Robson had to get toned for the role with the help of a personal trainer.
He said: "I'm no stranger to the sweet trolley and I'm not in the shape I used to be.
"I always find as an actor that you've got to step way outside your comfort zone in terms of performing - not only on a psychological level, but on a physical level."
Robson first became a familiar face on TV as cheeky hospital porter Jimmy Powell in Casualty.
His career really took off when he landed the role of Fusilier Dave Tucker in the drama series Soldier Soldier, which also turned him into a pop star.
But after two decades at the top of 'I was really stepping comfort zone. I think British TV, seemingly never off our screens, Wire In The Blood was axed in 2008 and it seemed Robson's star was maybe on the wane, especially when he returned to screens splashing around the country in Wild Swimming Adventure.
But Being Human shows he is not the sometimes po-faced, rather serious actor many of his characters convey.
His mainstream return will be later this year when he plays a new character in Waterloo Road.
Robson's character, Rob Scotcher, is the new love interest of head teacher Karen Fisher, played by Amanda Burton.
And he has kept on the personal trainer he took on last year to get in shape for Being Human to make sure he looks enough of a hunk for his love scenes in the school drama.
The rest of series six of Waterloo Road, first transmitted last year, will be back next month, with the seventh series, starring Robson, starting later in the year.
But, despite his revitalised acting career, the keen fisherman has not outside of my it has paid off' hung up his rod and is planning another seafaring adventure "this time to the ends of the earth".
He said: "I've been around the globe, now I'm going top to bottom - to Siberia, then up to the edge of the North Pole, then down to the south.
"I'm going to Essential Island, South America, Argentina - it's an amazing experience."
BEING HUMAN ADDS TWO NEW WEREWOLVES TO THE CAST
That’s right, even more news for the original BBC series, Being Human, as it premiers with its third season on January 23rd.
No word yet on whether or not the new werewolves will show up in the first episode of the third season, but it’s clear from the interview with Robson Green that we can expect great things from the father-son duo, who don’t take to the werewolf water quite like George and Nina.
The father and son, McNair and Tom, as portrayed by Robson Green and Michael Socha, represent the danger of temptation. They could easily lure George and Nina away from their humanity.
The UK television site, WhatsOnTV has a fascinating interview that reveals even more of what’s in store for werewolf fans in the BBC series :
“How do we meet your character McNair and his son Tom (Michael Socha) ?
Robson Green : “George (Russell Tovey) comes across Tom in a forest in Barry – where the main cast have moved to – and realises he’s a werewolf because he has a chicken on a string like him! My character, McNair, is kidnapped by vampires – led by comedian Paul Kaye – as the full moon approaches and thrown into a cage.”
Do we find out how McNair became a werewolf ?
“There’s a flashback scene later in the series. You discover how he went from being a normal guy to having the curse after vampires kidnapped him and trapped him in a cage with a werewolf. Now McNair has two objectives in life – protect his son Tom and wreak revenge on every vampire on the planet. And Herrick, who was brilliantly resurrected at the end of the last series, is his number one target.”
Are McNair and Tom very different types of werewolves to Nina and George ?
“Yes. We enjoy the transformation, as we believe it makes us stronger, whereas Nina and George scream in agony. We control it and enjoy being wolf-like, but they’re wussy!”
How did you prepare for such a physical role ?
“I took on a fulltime trainer to get in shape because McNair leaps about and fights a lot. We also did movement classes – there was a huge mirror like at Pineapple Studios and we looked like we were genetically troubled! The prosthetics department are amazing too – we spent five hours in make-up.”
Have you enjoyed being on the show ?
“This has been one of my favourite jobs. It was great being in Wales with the rest of the cast. It was really relaxed on set and lots of fun.”
How are McNair and Tom involved with the main cast as the series progresses?
“There’s a twist in the story. Nina and George track us down as they need some information from McNair and you discover McNair is protecting a lie, but that’s as much as I can give away !”
Are you hostile towards them ?
“I’m very, very wary, because Mitchell’s in the house, and vampires killed my wife. But McNair is a tough guy and nobody messes with him. He’s the werewolf equivalent to Herrick and collects vampire teeth on a necklace. McNair is even tough in his sleep!”
Were you a fan of Being Human before joining the cast of this new third series ?
“I’ve been a fan since the show started as director friends of mine worked on the pilot and first series. It’s wonderful, highbrow drama, with compelling characters and great scripts.””
I think it’s cute how Green was already kind of a Being Human fanboy, before he even landed the role. And up until now, the main cast has been sort of a droopy, stereotypically English group; trim, slim, skeptical, cynical, attractive though awkward. Green is anything but the ‘stereotypical’ English guy. All he needs is a night stick and a stun gun, and he could definitely work on the show.
THE NEW WEREWOLF IS IMPRESSING ALL THE RIGHT PEOPLE
Soooo cute ! Robson Green is a werewolf character on Being Human UK, McNair, not to be confused with the jerk character in SyFy’s new werewolf drama, taking place in their version of Being Human. His character a little more complex; there’s more going on at this point, more ally-issues, and possible unity torn asunder through romance and bromance, that kind of thing.
The complex drama that McNair’s character faces is really more or less, how he’ll ever fit in with the bizarre crowd currently sharing one roof. Not to mention, McNair’s own family, and how they’ll impact the situation. But that’s okay, because Robson Green, McNair in the show, can face up to the emotional rummaging of the script, and the stress that comes with a big time role like this, because his son says it’s cool.
UK’s the Sun magazine, has all the details in an in-depth conversation with McNair about his role on Being Human, and the effect it’s had on his personal life and family:
“Green says his werewolf role in Being Human made him cool for the first time – with his son.
The actor said ten-year-old Taylor had never liked any of his numerous TV appearances.
But that all changed when he took him to see the new BBC3 series being filmed.
Robson, 46, told TV Biz: “My son watched it. There is a bit too much bad language and gore in it as he is ten, but he loved it and went, ‘Dad, that’s cool, really cool’.
“He has never been a fan of anything else I have done !”
The actor needed five hours in make-up to transform into his character McNair, but the finished result got the thumbs-up from his lad. “I brought some of the make-up stuff back home so he wasn’t scared. He put the teeth in and I showed him the pictures of it. It was fascinating to watch him.”
Taylor even got to be assistant director for a day, telling his dad to get in position for the next scene.
Robson said: “He was calling, ‘Stand by everybody’. At one point he told me, ‘Get it right, take seven’.”
But Robson is not keen for his son to follow him into acting. He said: “Deep down I hope he becomes a scientist and gets to accept a Nobel prize.”
The Geordie lost two stone for his role in Being Human – which sees him take centre stage in Sunday’s episode. He will also return to our screens later in the year in Waterloo Road as a love interest for Amanda Burton. Robson says he can now face sex scenes on the BBC drama with confidence – thanks to having had a personal trainer.”
I think it’s awesome that we won’t have to miss Robson Green for too long on BBC before he’s back in another feature. This could even be his open door to a film, or more lucrative acting jobs, that really allow his unique personality some more airtime. Not to mention the fact that it’s unbearably cute for his son to be so interested in his career.
Also cool, is his dad being so determined that Green Jr. makes it into a good career, especially since acting is such a hard sell these days, when Hollywood claims to have its hands full already, what with all those sparkly vampires and giant huskies taking over the supernatural movie jobs. Anyway, here’s a toast to more werewolves on BBC, and may they keep on comin’.
ROBSON GREEN PLAYS MCNAIR
Were you a fan of Being Human before becoming involved in series three ?
I absolutely adore the show. I first knew about the show when a friend of mine, Declan O'Dwyer, was asked to direct the pilot. Declan told me about the plot and I just thought that sounded brilliant – what a fantastic premise!
I loved the notion of the relationship and the conflict that would appear through those relationships. I watched the pilot, which I loved, and another director friend of mine said he was working on the first series. What's really interesting about the first series is that people in the industry loved it – it's a very well respected show on many levels, not only creatively but technically as well. Make-up departments love the show and anyone who wants to aspire to better things in make-up want to be part of shows like Being Human, because they invest so much in the prosthetics.
What do you think is so unique about it ?
It's simple, it's good writing and a good story – and it's very well told. But the premise is offbeat, that's the unusual thing, it is the relationships that are unique. When you listen to the words that come out in Being Human you're just compelled to listen. Toby has created a beautiful premise and a wonderful story – and it grabs you. Being Human was way ahead of its time, so to speak, and sort of pre-empted the rush in the vampire genre. But Toby was there at the start and I think that's what makes it different and why people want to watch it.
Before you got the role, did you have a preference as to what supernatural you'd play ?
The one thing I had said to my agent was: "Get me something offbeat, unusual, something that is against the tide in what people see me in usually." I was on set with Derek Jacobi when the phone rang and Michael said: "How do you feel about playing a werewolf?" and I said no at first, but then he told me it was for Being Human, so I said: "I'll do it. I'll do it tomorrow!"
Derek said: "A werewolf in Being Human, that's a masterstroke! You'd be marvellous! Will one be donning fangs?" It was just fabulous and I was so excited, it was an absolute thrill and you know it's one of those few jobs where money wasn't important, it was just to improve as an actor, just to have the chance to develop and take on an exciting challenge.
And how would you describe your character McNair ?
Well, McNair was just a good, hard-working, decent man with lots of integrity. He was living a normal married life and was making his way to the supermarket when he was suddenly abducted by four vampires – as one is on a Saturday night. He was scarred by a werewolf and therefore has become the monster for the rest of his life.
When they actually discover me, we've skipped forward 16 years and McNair now has a son – Tom. McNair has two objectives in life – to protect his son and the love he has for him for the rest of his life, but also to wreak revenge on every living vampire on the planet, with his number one target being Herrick.
How was the dynamic between you and Michael Socha (who plays Tom) ?
As soon as I met him he was absolutely wonderful, just one of those rarities in what can be a very fickle and unreal world. He was a very real and down-to-earth young man, who had this lovely genuine approach. He also had that lovely glint in his eye and he had a certain edge to him that is very charismatic.
How does your character come into contact with the housemates initially ?
Well, Russell's character come across my son Tom in a forest – this is when George realises there is another young lad like him in Barry. He tells Nina, and when George and Nina finally come across McNair and his son Tom, they seek advice from McNair. McNair has this whole philosophy that the transformation doesn't make you weaker – it makes you more powerful.
That's actually quite different to the other werewolves, because he seems to really embrace it.
Well, the approach I've taken on board is two things in the transformation – McNair enjoys and looks forward to the transformation. He's accepted his fate but, in some perverse way, is enjoying it and especially he's thrilled at the thought of transforming into a monster to destroy Herrick. He also teaches his son Tom to enjoy it, to embrace it, and therefore he will be strong. In McNair's words: "They will become a soldier for the cause."
How did you find the transformation scenes ?
Well, I always find as an actor that you've got to step way outside your comfort zone in terms of performing – not only on a psychological level but on a physical level. McNair is a very physical character, so I loved the transformation scenes. I took on a personal trainer so I was prepared for the role on many levels – I enjoyed the thrill of it.
How does it compare with other roles that you've had ?
Well, hand on heart, in the 26 years I've been an actor I can count on one hand, in terms of really enjoying the experiences, and Being Human was one of them. For many reasons, the main reasons were the quality of the cast – I mean, Russell Tovey is an exceptional talent, as is Aidan Turner, and I loved working with Lenora and Sinead.
The writing was wonderful, but just in terms of the challenge it was so different and so unexpected and it was just more for myself rather than the audience, if that makes sense. You know I was really stepping outside my comfort zone in many ways, and I think it's paid off.
Have you seen any of the finished episodes ?
I have – I've seen some scenes that I'm very pleased with, in many ways. Working in Wales and Cardiff with the cast has been an experience that I won't forget for a long time.
Q&A WITH ROBSON GREEN & MICHAEL SOCHA
Our series of Being Human cast interviews continues now with a couple of new recruits! Robson Green and Michael Socha join the show this series as McNair and Tom, a father-and-son werewolf team with a grudge against vampires and a secret agenda! During our set visit earlier this year, we rounded up the pair for a quick chat about series three !
How aware were you of the show prior to being cast ?
Robson: "I knew about it because a very close friend of mine directed the pilot and a few other directors I knew worked on the first series. I watched it initially because of that, but in the end, I watched it because of [head writer] Toby [Whitehouse]'s creation and the writing. The writing's lovely and the relationships between the characters are so unique and offbeat. It's just new and vibrant."
Michael: "I'd not seen it at all. I'd never watched an episode, but I'd heard really good things about it. When I went for a meeting, everyone was telling me 'Make sure you definitely do it'. I've only been watching it while I've been here [filming] but I've been really impressed by what I've seen. It's bloody amazing."
How would you describe your characters ?
Robson: "We have this father-son relationship. My character was abducted by vampires fifteen years ago, thrown into a cage and made to fight to the death with a werewolf. I win, but I come out with a scratch which turns me into the creature. Michael and I have this relationship and alongside that is Sinead's character Nina. There's this common ground we can talk about. But throughout the series, there's a twist. It's just a really enjoyable programme to be part of. The actors are talented, the timing's wonderful. There's comedy and there's sadness. It's got all the ingredients for really good viewing. It's a joy to say Toby's words."
How does it feel to be playing such unusual roles ?
Michael: "It's the first time that I've played anything other than a human. I normally play chavvy humans as well! In this, I'm a wood-dweller and that's always something different. I'm glad they gave me the chance. It's good to scream, as well! I've never had a job where you have to scream and something's really painful. I get to do that here with the transformation, and it's like therapy!"
Robson: "When I got the call from my agent and he told me I'd be playing a werewolf, I said 'You bugger!'. I'm no stranger to the sweet trolley and I'm not in the shape I used to be! I've taken on a personal trainer full-time. That's for lots of different reasons, but one of the reasons is that this is such a physically demanding job. But as Michael said, the transformation is quite liberating. You can't really bottle out of it. You can't be embarrassed about anything or hold back on it. It's cathartic and wonderful to do."
How are your characters introduced to the show ?
Robson: "I'm kidnapped again by vampires because they know I'm a fighter. This cage-fighting was banned in the vampire world but they brought it back. I'm brought before the wonderful Paul Kaye, who is just brilliant as this ringleader and master of ceremonies. My son comes to rescue me and through that we come across George, Nina and Mitchell."
Are McNair and Tom out to help or hurt the regular characters ?
Michael: "It's a bit of both, really. We hate vampires and don't believe there's a single good one, so straight away we've got a little bit of confrontation with Mitchell. We're arch-enemies because of what we are."
Robson: "My character carries a necklace which holds the teeth of all of his vampire victims. He sets out on this journey to rid the world of vampires, because of what they've made me and what they're doing to the world. But there is one in particular that I'm in pursuit of who turned me into the creature - Herrick. There's a beautifully written scene where I remind him of all the things he said to me in the cage."
Michael: "George and Nina know what vampires are capable of but they've got Mitchell and they see a bit of good in him. He's just a vampire to us and he's not our mate."
Robson: "But that's the beauty of this. You have a ghost, a vampire and a werewolf living together so you've got this amazing conflict. It's a lovely thing to play because we want to kill Mitchell but we care for Nina and George. It's a nice balance of relationships."
Robson, how does it feel to act in a project that you had no other involvement in ?
Robson: "It's freeing and it's something I'm going to continue to do. I've done ten years of getting a company off of the ground, selling programmes around the world, pitching and getting the finance. There are other people who are going to do that now and I'm just enjoying acting. My son is loving me being a werewolf! He's ten and he loves all this stuff. Playing a clinical psychologist, putting villains behind bars and saving people from imminent death - that's rubbish! But this is fab!"
Have you had to undergo training for the show's stunt sequences ?
Robson: "Yeah, it's been fantastic."
Michael: "You do spend a lot of time with the stunt co-ordinator. He comes down and goes through everything so that you know exactly what you're doing. They are quite heavily choreographed fights but with a bit of rehearsal, you can do it."
Robson: "I've got my full-time trainer, but they've put some big demands on a middle-aged bloke! If you're supposed to be an iconic figure, a legend for the werewolves, you've got to come up to speed! I've loved wiping out vampires. Stabbing people with stakes and leaping about, it's marvellous !"
Being Human returns for a new series on January 23 on BBC Three.