Erin Doherty Shares Insights on Improvisation in ‘Adolescence’
Erin Doherty, the British actress known for her role in the Netflix series ‘Adolescence’, has shared some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about her work on the show. The 33-year-old revealed that she and young actor Owen Cooper, who plays Jamie, improvised a chilling single-take scene during the therapist sequence.
Doherty expressed that she was glad Cooper’s spontaneous actions led to improvisation, as it helped her fully embody her character, Briony. During the cross-examination scene, when Cooper yawned unexpectedly, Doherty admitted she couldn’t let that moment pass by.
Speaking to Harper’s Bazaar UK, Doherty discussed the filming of the award-winning series. She explained how the spontaneous yawn from Cooper made her feel like Briony, responding as the character would. “I, or she, was like, ‘What are you doing?’ I wasn’t going to let that pass. I wanted to poke him with it. I’m glad I did. We’re wrestling there,” she said.
The Excitement of Single-Take Filming
Discussing the unique filming schedule of ‘Adolescence’, Doherty highlighted how the single-take approach added an element of excitement and danger to the project. She mentioned that there is always a fear that the edit might not capture the intended vision. However, this method of shooting provided a sense of freedom and intensity.
The four-part series received critical acclaim upon its release on Netflix in March. It follows the story of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a schoolgirl. The show delves into how teen Jamie Miller’s perception of girls was influenced by online content and highlights the significant amount of social media consumed by teenagers at school.
New Project: ‘California Avenue’
In September, Erin Doherty was spotted filming for a new BBC drama titled ‘California Avenue’. She appeared almost unrecognizable in her vintage attire, sporting a bold new hair and makeup look. The actress was seen filming alongside a young male actor in a makeshift astronaut costume.
Despite previously portraying Princess Anne in the third and fourth seasons of ‘The Crown’, Doherty looked completely different as she took on the role of Lela in the six-part drama. She wore a blonde wig with a blunt fringe and applied the era’s favorite smoky blue eyeshadow.
A 70s Aesthetic
Doherty completed her 70s aesthetic with a signature psychedelic maxidress in a blue and green geometric pattern and a large cream handbag. She finished off the look with a tailored denim trenchcoat and a classic paisley scarf around her neck.
The scene showed Doherty looking panicked and running to scold the young actor, who appeared to be playing the part of her son. In between takes, she could be seen double-checking her lines, pulling a folded script out of her bag.
‘California Avenue’ was announced by the BBC in June and is written and directed by BAFTA winner Hugo Blick. The six-part series is set in a secluded canal-side caravan park in the English countryside. The peace of the area is disrupted by the arrival of Lela, played by Doherty, and her 11-year-old child, seeking refuge in this hidden world.
Star-Studded Cast
The show features a star-studded cast, including acclaimed actors Bill Nighy and Helena Bonham Carter, who play Lela’s parents, Jerry and Eddie. Tom Burke co-stars as Cooper, a showman outcast. The series promises to deliver a mix of humor and love, exploring themes of family, healing, and unexpected connections.
The December/January issue of Harper’s Bazaar UK is on sale from 7 November.
