‘We are an odd little group’
As a new school term dawns, Anna Maxwell Martin and Diane Morgan discuss the horrors of parenting, and having a laugh on set…
how would you best describe Julia and liz?
AnnA, 42: Julia is self-serving…
DiAne, 44: Liz doesn’t give two sh*ts about the ‘supermums’ making her feel inadequate! She’s not a worrier. Her parenting style is slipshod, ingenious and laid-back…
Do we see the friendship between Julia, liz and kevin grow?
AnnA: I think there is a genuine depth of affection between Liz, Kevin and Julia this year, they’re a weird bunch but very good friends! I do love that about this show, they are an odd little group and I think it reflects on screen that Diane, Paul and I get on very well in real life – and find each other very funny!
Who are you most similar to in your own parenting style? AnnA: Probably Liz, but I wish I could be more like Kevin! My parenting style [Anna is mum to two daughters] involves a lot of shouting, from the moment they get up and eat things, to running to school because we’re late – and I hate them both by the time I drop them off. I definitely understand the, ‘Why wasn’t I invited to that big trip to the Isle of Wight with the caravans?’ thing. Parenting can breed insecurity; you’re thrust together with a group of people you don’t normally get on with.
What’s the most cringey thing that’s happened to you as a parent?
AnnA: I’m very, very, very, very cool and I’m SURE my kids would agree with that!
Does it bother you that people ask you a lot about Motherland, rather than other projects? AnnA: People grab me a lot to ask about Motherland. I don’t know why, I’ll be with my kids and they’re standing there going, ‘What are you talking about?’ Why do you think it’s so popular? AnnA: It’s relatable, I suppose; lots of people on the planet parent...
DiAne: There are a lot of comedy shows that don’t really focus on the sheer exhausting horror of parenting. Motherland is different and I think parents appreciate that.
What do you love about being involved the most?
AnnA: Being with my friends; all the actors are such lovely, funny people. And I love that Julia, Kevin and Liz have been thrust together and probably wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for their kids.
DiAne: The script is great. It’s rare to read a script that makes you laugh OUT LOUD.
What reaction did you get after the first series went out?
DiAne: Women would run up to me on the street and say they were so grateful to me for playing a sh*t parent. I think it made them feel better!