International Women's Day Series ~ Brenda Blethyn
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| Source: IMDB |
I was by no means a fan of cricket, no matter how much my dad tried to influence me, however I did develop a very limited knowledge. Where Miriam was concerned, I was fascinated by her transformation from doormat to refusing to fold Roger's pyjamas, to not suffering fools, to devoted wife sans doormat tendencies! With a young lad admitting to having a crush on her into the bargain by the time season three arrived. Brenda wowed me with her comic timing and her ability to break my heart whilst simultaneously driving me to want to give her a good shake. The chemistry with Robert Daws as Roger was undoubtedly a force in that series and they made a formidable foursome with Timothy Spall as Kevin and Josie Lawrence (who grew up just down the road from me) as Maggie.
I am sure my next on-screen experience of Brenda was in Mike Leigh's 'Secrets & Lies', which was such a leap from Miriam, I don't think I was prepared for it. Also, it was my first introduction to Mike Leigh and I remember feeling in awe of the process and even more astounded by Brenda's talent. I loved the fact she was playing Timothy Spall's sister too, their shorthand from having done three seasons of 'Outside Edge' together definitely shone through, from my perspective. Brenda deserved every nomination and award for her performance as Cynthia.
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| Secrets & Lies - Source: Film 4 Productions |
I've managed to catch up with some of her work that pre-dates 'Outside Edge', 'Chance In A Million' is a sitcom I found an interesting watch. Her role, Alison is not entirely different from Miriam in some ways, given what she has to put up with. 'Yes Minister' and 'Rumpole of the Bailey' have also made it to my 'watched list'. I loved 'The Witches', it was already a favourite childhood book of mine and Brenda's portrayal of Mrs Jenkins mirrored my own image of the character formed in my imagination from the many times I had picked up the book. 'A River Runs Through It' is another superb film that sees Brenda perform with the late, great Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. Need I say more?
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| Little Voice - Source: IMDB |
After 'Outside Edge', as well as the aforementioned 'Secrets & Lies', I can't not mention Brenda's extraordinary performance as Mari in 'Little Voice'. What a nightmare of a character, but great fun to play I expect! Moving on to the noughties, I don't think I had ever envisaged her playing Mrs Bennet in 'Pride & Prejudice' as the renowned BBC television series was firmly embedded in my head. The beauty of the timing of the television series was that I was studying A level English Literature at the time it was broadcast and studying 'Pride & Prejudice'. What a stroke of luck and also what a stellar cast. Alison Steadman was and still is my Mrs Bennet, however, there is room in my heart and mind for two Mrs B's! I thought Brenda put her on own spin on the role and I thoroughly enjoyed the film.
As for 'Vera', well I'm not the biggest fan of detective dramas so I wasn't sure if it would be my thing. Then Brenda worked her magic and I was gripped! I particularly rated the episode from series two 'A Certain Samaritan' as Phyllis Logan (in case you didn't know, she appeared in 'Secrets & Lies' too) guest starred. It was another great example of actors who have worked together on a different production reuniting and bringing that shorthand I mentioned before. For me, it's palpable and adds an extra layer to the scenes.
Let's see what 'A Woman of Substance' has to offer then, I've read mixed reviews so I'm looking forward to binge-watching and making my mind up. I don't think I can watch 'Dragonfly' just yet, from the trailers I can see how wonderful Brenda is - however I feel the topics explored might be a little too close to home just now.
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| A Woman Of Substance - Source: Radio Times |
I wrote to Brenda a fair amount in my teens, it was always a delight to receive her replies and we even exchanged birthday and Christmas cards. We've met on two occasions, the latter being at the National Television Awards 2023 on the red carpet. I'm not that posh before you ask - I had bought tickets! I managed to call her over for a selfie, which I'm pleased about as there is no photographic evidence of the first time I met her.
The first time remains an utter bafflement to me. My 18th birthday was either approaching or had just happened - it was a while ago anyway so the grey matter isn't as intact as it once was! A friend and I were mooching around the National Theatre bookshop having taken a trip to the big smoke to celebrate the big 18. I had picked up a book in which Brenda featured so I was engrossed in the blurb about her at the time, I then happened to look up and I could see her! Her now-husband Michael worked at the National Theatre, so it was by no means beyond the realms of possibility to spot her there. In fact I've seen many actors in that space. I was rooted firmly to the spot, completely oblivious to the fact that the friend I was with had sprinted off like a whippet out the trap to halt Brenda in her tracks and alert her to the fact that one of her biggest fans was catching flies in the bookshop. From that point on I was in a fan-girl whirl, however I can tell you that she took time out of her day to treat us to tea and cake. A long story, one I'm sure my son thinks I am making up (he never believes my tales), but it's a chance meeting that will forever have a special place in my heart.
Brenda's long list of screen credits can be found here: IMDB
You can also purchase a copy of Brenda's autobiography 'Mixed Fancies': Brenda Blethyn - Mixed Fancies
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