Damian Lewis on ‘Fackham Hall,’ Stalkers, and Garden Cricket
Damian Lewis, known for his serious roles, is embracing the absurd in the new British comedy, Fackham Hall, a spoof of both ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘Airplane!’ The actor recently discussed the experience, along with some surprising personal anecdotes, in an interview with The Guardian.
Embracing the Silliness of ‘Fackham Hall’
Lewis plays Lord Davenport in Fackham Hall, alongside Katherine Waterston as Lady Davenport. The film centers around the chaotic events surrounding their eldest daughter’s wedding. Lewis revealed that a particularly amusing scene – involving spitting an hors d’oeuvre at Waterston – required an impressive 33 takes, largely due to his own enjoyment of the gag. “I hit her in the face one time – she was very solid about it,” Lewis recounted, adding, “It was almost like she enjoyed it.”
The actor described the experience as a welcome change of pace, noting that he and Waterston, both typically cast in dramatic roles, relished the opportunity to indulge in comedic timing and “corpsing” – breaking character due to laughter.
A Brush with a Stalker and Early Career Struggles
The interview took a more serious turn when Lewis recounted a frightening encounter with a stalker during a West Finish performance. He explained that despite a previous injunction, the individual appeared at the press night and presented him with flowers. “My blood froze,” he said, expressing a desire for more pleasant fan interactions.
Lewis also reflected on his early career, recalling a short-lived and unsuccessful stint selling overcoats at Burberry. He admitted to being fired for deliberately misleading customers about sizing, finding amusement in the “badness” of it all.
Royal Ascot and a Lasting Love for ‘Withnail and I’
When asked about the poshest thing he’s ever done, Lewis responded without hesitation: taking a helicopter to Royal Ascot. He admitted realizing the extravagance of the experience only after calming down and confirming he hadn’t fallen out of the helicopter.
Lewis also shared his enduring appreciation for the film Withnail and I, recalling his initial confusion upon seeing it as a drama student and his eventual recognition of its comedic brilliance.
The Importance of Ignoring Reviews
The actor credited Tim Pigott-Smith with offering the best advice he’s ever received: “Don’t read your reviews.” Lewis emphasized the importance of self-awareness regarding one’s own performance and the production as a whole, rather than relying on external criticism.
Childhood Treasures and a Love for Cricket
Lewis revealed that his oldest possessions are two stuffed toys, “Clowny” and “Ellie,” from his childhood, now cherished by his own children. He also confessed to being surprisingly skilled at garden cricket, regularly playing “Tests” with his son.
‘Fackham Hall’ Release Information
Fackham Hall is currently available in Australian cinemas and for rental or purchase in the UK. The film stars Thomasin McKenzie, Ben Radcliffe, Damian Lewis, and Hayley Mills, and is directed by Jim O’Hanlon. IMDb provides further details about the cast and crew.