Monica Dolan is reflecting on her extensive career in television, film, and theatre, highlighting the emotional toll of portraying complex real-life figures. The Bafta-winning actor recently discussed her preparation for the role of Rose West in the ITV drama Appropriate Adult and how she maintains her sense of self after such demanding work.
Preparing for the role of Rose West
Dolan won a Bafta in 2011 for her portrayal of Rosemary West in Appropriate Adult. She described the process as requiring a strict professional distance. She was repulsed by the character but needed to understand her motivations. To achieve this, she obtained the case transcripts from the solicitor and treated them like a script. This technical approach allowed her to stay objective and avoid becoming emotionally overwhelmed by the subject matter.
She noted that director Mike Leigh also emphasized this separation. Leigh would correct actors who referred to their characters as “I,” insisting they use the character’s name. This discipline helped Dolan manage the psychological weight of her roles. After finishing Appropriate Adult, she felt like a husk. She needed to reconnect with reality through simple, grounding activities.
Early life and drama school
Born in Middlesbrough in 1969, Dolan grew up in a household where science was highly valued. Her parents, who met at University College Dublin, expected her to follow a similar path. They even filled out her O-level choice forms without consulting her. Dolan rebelled against this, insisting that her education was a life decision she needed to make herself. She eventually studied physics, chemistry, and biology, but her true passion lay elsewhere.
She trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. University was a turning point where she finally found her community. In her final year, she met an agent who doubted she would find work immediately. However, the head of the Northcott theatre in Exeter offered her a season. Her parents attended every performance, providing crucial support. After a period of unemployment, she returned to Guildhall for a student production. This decision led to an audition for a director looking for actors for Jane Eyre. She secured the part, which launched her professional career.
Pressure of playing real people
Dolan has played several real-life figures, including Jo Hamilton in Mr Bates vs the Post Office. She admitted to feeling nervous about these roles. During the first screening of Mr Bates vs the Post Office, the real subpostmasters were present. She worried they might feel her portrayal was inaccurate. The pressure was high because the story had real-world consequences for the people involved.
Comedy roles also present challenges. She recalled shooting W1A, where she struggled with timing. She was on take 11 of a scene when the director, John Morton, was still unsatisfied. She felt the humiliation of not getting it right but eventually succeeded. Despite these pressures, she says her core motivation remains the same. She still wants to entertain and be seen, just like the seven-year-old girl in her childhood photo.
Source: The Guardian
