Pearl Mackie Reimagines Honour in TOM JONES (Ep. 35)

Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters

In episode 35 we’re talking with actor PEARL MACKIE (THE DIPLOMAT, DOCTOR WHO) about the PBS MASTERPIECE mini series TOM JONES. Pearl Mackie plays Honour Newton, the worldly-wise trusted lady’s maid of Sophia Western (Sophie Wilde) in a 4-part reimagining of Henry Fielding’s comic novel, "The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling," published in 1749. We discuss the dynamics of Honour and Sophia’s relationship, the challenge of riding a horse while wearing a corset, and living as two Black women from different social standings in mid-18th century England.

TRANSCRIPT

TIMESTAMPS: 0:08 Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters generic intro; 1:14 Episode Synopsis; 1:41 TOM JONES Synopsis; 2:15 PEARL MACKIE bio/credits; 3:38 Playing Honour Newton, Lady’s Maid; 8:42 Corsets and Horses; 12:40 Honour and Sophia in TOM JONES; 13:52 Black Women in Historical Drama; 20:41 Honour Assesses Tom Jones’s Character; 24:47 Podcast Break; 25:18 Listening to Actors; 30:47 Black Women Actors and Maid Roles; 41:28 Inclusive Casting in Historical Drama; 45:10 Lighting Round Questions; 45:31 Time Travel (1960S Civil Rights and Medieval Shield Maidens); 45:49 Pearl Mackie’s Time Capsule (Spice Girls, Tamagotchi, and Blow-Up Chairs) ; 48:00 Where to Watch TOM JONES; 49:17 Podcast Closing Credits; 50:18 Disclaimer

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