DRAKE EXPECTATIONS
LAUREN LEE SMITH TELLS US ABOUT BRINGING FRANKIE TO BRITAIN…
The only female private detectives operating in 1920s Toronto return for a third season this week – only this time, they’re not
just in Canada, as Frankie hits London to investigate the disappearance of an old friend. We caught up with star Lauren Lee Smith (who plays Frankie) while she was in the UK, to put our own detective skills to the test, and see what information we could get out of her – but it turns out she didn’t crack easily under interrogation…
Welcome to the UK, Lauren! What brings Frankie here?
I can’t give away too much, but we’re starting off in the UK and incorporating that into our season opener – we have some amazing guest stars who are going to be popping up!
Is this your first time here?
You know, I haven’t been to the UK in ages – the last time
I was here was probably 10 years ago, for a convention, so I didn’t make it much past the airport! Before that, I came here when I was 17 to have a vacation for my graduation.
Have you had the chance to see the sights this time?
I arrived yesterday morning, and it’s been pretty much a whirlwind. We’re shooting for the next two days, then I’m back in Toronto to work on the rest of season three!
What do you like most about playing Frankie?
I think I like the fact that she’s so fearless. I wish I had half of Frankie’s balls, but I don’t!
[Laughs] So it’s fun to be able to live vicariously through her and be the sort of tough chick who is really bold in her life, her career and her relationships.
Given the era in which the series is set, there weren’t many women doing her job…
I mean, it’s quite extraordinary really – it’s such a fascinating time in general, but specifically for women. In the early 20s, we had just been given the right to vote in Canada, and there was this new-found sexual freedom that women were experiencing – I think that makes for some very
interesting, unique and fun backdrops for a series.
You’ve had guest stars from the UK on the show before, like Laurence Fox and Alan Davies – is it fun getting them on board?
It is! We absolutely adore it, and it’s definitely something that we’re continuing into season three – hence being in the UK. I think you’re definitely going to see some people that are familiar, and it was a really cool opportunity to kick it off by coming here. Plus, we’re going to end up taking some of those famous faces back to Canada with us, as well!