Paula Wilcox interview
Paula Wilcox says Boomers is a real hoot and she hopes people will respond to that.
Hi Paula. How would you describe Carol?
Ostensibly rather quiet and less pushy than the other two, Maureen and Joyce, but she definitely has her own agenda and she usually gets her own way through sheer doggedness. Her lack of scintillating conversation means she can appear shy; when she finally joins in a discussion she often responds to something said 10 minutes before, and that can make her seem very slow-witted. However, she has held down a responsible job for years and her thoughts are original.
How do the couples get on?
When two people have lived together as long as these characters have, the intimacy is such that they have a tendency to ignore the niceties. Richard Pinto, the writer, has cleverly noticed that they speak to each other in a way nobody should ever speak to another person!
From the outside this can appear outrageous and incredibly rude (although sometimes very funny). But inside the relationship, they don't really hear the insults anymore; they often pretty much ignore each other. In her quiet way, Carol has made a bit of a stand and so she and Trevor are actually having relationship counselling. She has got to a point in her life where she's rather tired of accepting the status quo.
Do you think retirement affects marriages?
Apparently, many women in their 60s instigate divorce proceedings, and I think it's because women generally have more energy and expectations in retirement than some men, who are happier to potter around the house. Somebody once said to my husband: "Marriage is forever but not for lunch!" I know there are couples who live and work together perfectly happily, but for a lot of people it's quite difficult. Trevor's a financial bloke and he's dry as a stick and he really takes things terribly seriously. You can see Carol is more fun loving and she really wants to be a girl, flirt and have fun, and he doesn't get that.
How does the counselling go?
They are living separately in the house to rediscover their relationship. Trevor is not deeply engaged in the process at all but he does go along with it. There's a lovely moment where Carol talks to Joyce and Maureen about a fantasy she has, and then shares it with Trevor but it goes right over his head. He has no idea of her yearning for adventure.
What did Carol do for a living?
She was originally a typist and worked her way up to being in charge of despatch in a small, family-run business. She has worked with computers since the early days and had become so familiar with the workings of the company over the years that she almost ran the company without the MD being aware of it! They miss her terribly and she often goes back to visit.
How is Carol handling retirement?
She has had quite an enjoyable work life and she's probably had fun with male colleagues and been one to go out for a drink at the pub after work. Now she's not working nor is Trevor; they're probably stuck at home a lot and she's very much looking outward for stimulus. She's quite courageous as she's joined a choir, is doing yoga and tai-chi, trying lots of new experiences and getting involved with groups. That's where the idea of therapy has come from - talking to a mix of people who maybe aren't in her age group but are going though similar quests in their lives. So she no longer feels it's odd to try and improve her situation.
So for her life begins at sixty?
The others are a bit shocked at times by her attitude. She is up for new things and they find that a little threatening. She's quite a nice person. And blimey, that's hard to play! Bit of a challenge. She really doesn't understand innuendo, it goes right over her head. In fact, since both she and Trevor take remarks quite literally, they are a good match!
Do you identify with Carol at all?
I'm quite different from her, but I recognise some of her qualities and weaknesses. There are all sorts of experiences where you're trying to do your best and sometimes you do find yourself the odd one out and I think in our series that's Carol. I think listening is a very important quality of Carol's; when I'm nervous I tend to go hell for leather talking whilst she actually observes and thinks about what's being said.
Do you use technology?
Yes I do. A lot. I think it's impossible to live a busy life without being reasonably capable at using various devices and gadgets. I'm quite interested in new technology; I'm fascinated and love using it.
How did you get into acting?
When I was a little girl I went to see a panto and decided I wanted to be Cinderella. At school I discovered I was very good at doing different accents and impersonating the teachers; then, aged 14, I went on a school trip to see Henry IV Part 1 and was captivated. I wanted to learn everything I could about the theatre and acting. I joined the National Youth Theatre at 17 and the following year I landed my first TV role. I was very determined. I've never wanted to do anything else and since then I've just gone with my heart really. What I'm finding is that as I get older I'm getting to play lots of weird and wonderful characters and I'm really open to new experiences. Put it this way, I've no plans to retire!
Boomers is all about long-standing friendships. Who is your longest standing friend?
Probably my school friend Kate, whom I met when we were 10; she became a barrister, which she swears is quite similar to being an actress. Better paid, I'd say!
How does it feel growing older?
No idea...
Are you forgetful?
No, Er... I don't think so. What was the question again?
How do you cope with learning lines?
It's my job. If the script is right, like Boomers, I can't wait to be able to say them. And I want to get them RIGHT!
Would you ever consider cosmetic surgery?
Only when it can be done over the phone.
Who will Boomers appeal to?
Well, essentially it's about relationships - with a partner, with friends and with family. So if you have any of those in your life, it's for you! It's a very funny series and quite edgy and although the characters are retired, people of all ages will definitely see themselves in the show. 'Oh my gosh - I do that!'
Carol's a great character to play. She's completely feminine and gets her own way by stealth - all flowers and roses, pink and pretty, lightness and spontaneity, determined to keep up with the more sophisticated Joyce and Maureen, and that is great fun. The other two are really confident and sassy, out there and getting on with stuff and I think Carol feels quite lucky to be part of the gang whilst keeping a sense of self. Boomers is very clever writing, a real hoot and I hope people will respond to that.