Sanditon Season 3 continues to draw viewers, and here ANNE REID (Lady Denham) talks about her character and the allure of romantic period dramas.
The story: Edward (Jack Fox) has promised Lady Denham that he is truly reformed, but will Augusta Markham’s (Eloise Webb) fortune be too an irresistible a proposition? Lady Denham also rediscovers an old flame from her youth, and together they back Tom’s (Kris Marshall) new plans for Sanditon – at the expense of his marriage with Mary (Kate Ashfield). With weddings and failed engagements, will the Sanditon residents all find true love and happiness after all?
What have you enjoyed about Season 3 of Sanditon?
I adore playing this part, as it’s one of my favourite things I have ever done in my life. I just love playing ‘Lady of the Manor’ and being the difficult one. I am never going back to the kitchen again; I have played many roles in my career there! So, to now be upstairs and in charge is a total joy. I love it. We meet a blast from Lady Denham’s past this season, a boyfriend who previously dumped her when she was young. It is amazing that she could have a love interest at her age, can you imagine who would fancy her? I can’t believe she would be a very easy-going person in a relationship!
Why do you think audiences love period dramas so much?
It’s escapism from today, the costumes, the sets, and the quaintness of it all. Getting an insight in the grand stately homes of the time and the people who live there, I think those settings are fascinating to people.
How does Lady Denham feel about Edward after what he did to Clara and Esther?
I don’t think Lady Denham will ever forgive him. She would never trust him, so there would always be an element of suspicion in the relationship. But I think Edward likes it that way! I love acting opposite Jack, he’s great.
Tell us about the relationship between Lady Denham and Rowleigh – how does she feel when he turns up in Sanditon?
She’s very angry and resentful that he dumped her when she was young. She’s not dwelled on their relationship for years, but you can tell when they meet in the first episode, she’s definitely not over it. She’s appalled when she sees him again, however when they start to get to know each other again, you can see her start to get nervous and she does get a bit carried away with the idea of their relationship.
What was it like to work with James Bolam?
It was a great joy; we have known each other since we were in our 20s and have worked together many times. It was so easy working with James as he was fantastic at playing Rowleigh Pryce. We spent a lot of time talking about our characters, giving each other suggestions. I love working with him, he’s a very close friend.
I was in Coronation Street with his wife, so we have known each other for nearly 60 years. We have worked together in the theatre twice, so I was deliriously happy when he was cast as my love interest. I think he had a good time too as he doesn’t usually do period dramas. He’s just such a good actor!
What does Sanditon mean to Lady Denham?
I think she loves it, and she cares deeply about it. She’s very insecure as she’s so spikey. Particularly with Tom Parker, she’s so difficult, she gives him a lot of grief. Her money is very important to her, and as explained previously, it was hard to come by. She has put a lot of effort into climbing up the social and financial ladder due to her previous marriages. She’s very ruthless when it comes to class and finance, but she must have had some charm back in the day, which we don’t seem to see much of now! But I love playing her. I would play Lady Denham forever. I just adore Sanditon.
What: Anne Reid Lady Denham interview
Where: Britbox Sanditon S3
When: 2023
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