We could call her «the young lady in yellow», because it is the color she hates most and which, despite herself, she has to wear more often. She is the wallpaper at the dances and is regularly ignored even by her mother, yet it is she, Penelope Featherington, the heart of Bridgerton, the Netflix event series set in the Regency period and based on the novels of Julia Quinn (published in Italy by Mondadori).
He told it to Vanity Fair its interpreter, the histrionic and very sweet Nicola Coughlan, 34 year old Irish who lends his face to a character who is half his age but who during the romantic saga will continue to thrill and amaze.
After chatting with Phoebe Dynevor / Daphne, Jonathan Bailey / Anthony and Regè-Jean Page / Simon, who has just announced his departure from the series, the word is up to her, actress already famous for the comedy Derry Girls (always available on the platform ) and now also champion of body positivity.
He connects to Zoom from his room and behind him a poster of David Bowie appears, a psychedelic image in a colorful environment at least as much as his personality. Fuchsia eyeshadow, a very blonde bob with a fluorescent clip and a smile that lights up a room: Nicola Coughlan is no longer in the skin of the idea of the second season, which is currently being shot.
At the Golden Globes she wore a lovely yellow dress, the color that Penelope instead detests and that her mother makes her wear all the time. Has your wardrobe infected you?
“Absolutely yes, since playing Penelope I have started wearing yellow and I pay more attention to details, even if I didn’t ask for any of her accessories from the set, I preferred one by Lady Danbury worn during a dance”.
Can she, like Penelope, keep a secret too?
“I wouldn’t say, not as much as you at least. I tell my sisters and my best friend when the excitement is too much to contain. In any case, I wouldn’t tell the whole world about it. “
The question everyone asks is: what will happen in the future of the saga on TV?
“I wondered too, when I got the part: I was the first to read Penelope’s book (in Italian it is called A man to be conquered, ed.), which is set almost ten years after the events of that of Daphne (The duke and I, ed.). I can’t wait for her to grow up and for the audience to appreciate her even more, but you have to be patient because the second season revolves around the character of Anthony (The viscount who loved me, ed.)».
When he shot the first eight episodes he didn’t know how the viewers would react. The series was presented as a kind of nineteenth-century Gossip Girl. Agree?
“Yes, for a year and a half I lived and breathed the Bridgerton vibe, and from the beginning I knew the truth about Penelope, but I didn’t see Gossip Girl, so during the filming this comparison didn’t occur to me, even if I understand that both stories speak of scandals and appeal to curiosity. Who doesn’t want to hear about gossip? This is what makes it all very intriguing ».
There have also been criticisms about the lack of historical accuracy, how did you react?
“On-screen diversity is part of the DNA of the series: Bridgerton is not Jane Austen and you can see it very well already in the books. We are used to costume series in shades of gray and here instead we see an explosion of colors. This grandeur is the stylistic code of the producer Shonda Rhimes and at times it even seems like a fantasy, but certainly not a documentary, as you can easily guess from pop music, including that of Ariana Grande. Did all this surprise me? Absolutely yes but I love it.
Penelope is a teenager who dreams of financial independence at a time when women couldn’t even write a check. You started working at a young age, but do you resemble yourself in this desire?
«At her age I had always acted and had all my savings. I am grateful that I was born in an age where women can be free or at least not dependent on men, as was the case in those days. I like to see independent women in Bridgerton, like Lady Danbury, who is a widow and financially solid. ‘
Your favorite character, aside from Penelope?
“Obviously Eloise, my best friend, one who always says what she thinks, as Penelope would like to do even if she can’t. In front of her she censures her romantic feelings for Colin and her desire for marriage ».
Did you expect to get the part?
“No, I went to the audition with a light heart, acted two scenes and left. When they called me back after two weeks I was disconcerted but also very excited because the fans of the series are very meticulous, affectionate and demanding ».
What job would Penelope do if she lived in the present day?
“I’ve never wondered, but for sure it would be on Instagram and enjoy the longed-for freedom with Eloise.”
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