Sara Vickers – Endeavour

By starrymag | July 27, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I’ve been working on a very exciting project for HBO called Watchmen, a new TV series created by Damon Lindelof inspired by the world of the graphic novel of the same name. It’s certainly unlike anything I’ve ever done before. You’ll have to tune in to find out why, as I’ve been sworn to secrecy! It comes out in the Autumn.

 

Q) What can you tease is new this season on Endeavour and with Joan Thursday?

A) Tensions build between the disbanded members of Cowley police station. With this new found distance relationships are tested, loyalty is put into question and the line between good copper/bad copper gets blurry. Joan strides out on her own, finding a new more fulfilling path. For the first time in a long time she is starting to head in the right direction.

 

Q) How was Joan originally described to you?

A) She was described as brunette, early 20’s, similar to Shirley Anne Field in the movie Saturday Night and Sunday Morning. Outgoing, flirtatious but a real family girl at heart.

 

Q) Have you had much of a say in how she has developed throughout the seasons? 

A) What’s wonderful about playing the same character for so long is the choices you make within scenes as actors can often inform the onward journey. Russell Lewis, the writer, definitely responds to our work series by series and then goes forward with the next. For example, the relationship that has developed between Morse (Shaun Evans) and Joan came into being after Russ watched the initial scenes in series one. He saw something between the characters that put the wheels in motion.

 

Q) Does it take putting on the period clothing to put you in Joan’s mindset and get you into character?

A) There’s something about the narrow little shoes, tights and pointy bras that certainly don’t feel modern day! The cut of the clothes and the fabrics are less relaxed and more structured.  Most of my outfits are original 60’s pieces sourced by the amazing costume department. When I’m suited and booted, I do feel unmistakably Joan.

 

Q) Joan undergoes a job change this season. In what ways will it help her find more happiness?

A) In her new line of work, she starts to gain a stronger sense of independence and confidence. The 60’s wasn’t a walk in the park for women wanting to climb the career ladder, but she’s more than capable to stand her own ground. She finds happiness and fulfilment through feeling useful and doing good. She’s spent the last two series lost and trying to find her purpose. I think she has found it.

 

Q) There is incredible onscreen chemistry between you and Shaun Evans. What is it between Morse and Joan that you think draws them together?

A) I think the draw is the perfect balance between their characters differences and similarities. They have different energies, different ways of approaching situations which keep them being intrigued. But deep down they share the same values in life. I also think there is a great deal of respect and admiration that they have for one another.

 

Q) Shaun headed behind the camera this season. What was it like for you being directed by him?

A) No one knows as well as us, the intricate moments our characters have been through together, so to have him steering our scenes was a walk in the park. We were definitely on the same page. It was great to see Shaun in a new role and he excelled. I have to take my hat off to him, it was a huge undertaking and he saw the whole thing through with his usual sunny disposition.

 

Q) Talk about working with Roger Allam, who plays your father on the show.

A) Working with Roger is always a real treat. He performance as Fred Thursday is beautifully nuanced and has been since we started. He knows that character inside and out and I think that shows in all the little details he brings to his work. One of our first scenes we shot together was round the Thursday’s dinner table. We were eating a beef stew and he was adamant that no family in the 60’s would have been eating such a big dinner so late in the day. It was true, the timeline was out. I just loved that it mattered to him. It shows great care about the characters and world we are creating.

 

Q) Throughout these six seasons, what have been some of your favorite scenes to film over the years for Endeavour?

A) I loved filming “Coda,” the episode centered around the bank heist. It marked a turning point for my character, with plenty of juicy scenes to get my teeth stuck into.

Classic Morse and Joan scenes that are dear to my heart are walking her safely home, in “Home,” the goodbye scene in “Coda” where she leaves Oxford and the scene in “Harvest” where Joan appears at Morse’s flat needing help and support.

A special mention to the bustling domestic scenes at the Thursday’s house. Those were the days!

 

Q) What do you think it is about this show that has made it such a fan favorite?

A) I think Endeavour gives audiences the chance to escape. Lose themselves in 1960’s Oxford, a slice of nostalgia. The cinematography, the period outfits and sets, the beautifully created characters and the complex mind-bending murder mysteries…What’s not to love?!