“This film breaks down a wall...”
A POWERFUL NEW DRAMA TELLS THE IMPORTANT STORY OF FORMER PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER ANDY WOODWARD…
Since speaking out in 2016 I’ve wanted to encourage people to talk without fear, to make a change. Floodlights tells my story, which no child should ever have to go through. I hope this film helps to stop abuse in football and in all areas of life,” says Andy Woodward, as this featurelength drama – starring Gerard Kearns (Shameless), The Bay’s Jonas Armstrong and Morven Christie, and Steve Edge (Benidorm)– honours his courage in speaking out about the sexual abuse he suffered as a young footballer, at the hands of coach Barry Bennell. Here, Gerard (Andy) and Jonas (Bennell) share with Inside TV their emotional experience of being involved in such a vital project…
Hello, both. How did you prepare for playing these real-life roles?
Gerard I didn’t have much time at all – from getting the part to shooting, it was about six days. I read Andy’s book, then met with him. I observed what I could of his mannerisms and characteristics. He was so kind, open and reassuring, and for an actor portraying a real person, that’s massive. Jonas I’ll be honest, I was really nervous about taking the role of Bennell. My immediate reaction was, “Not a chance”. It wasn’t pleasant to play, the process wasn’t comfortable. I had to find a balance, rather than just playing him as a grotesque character, because he’s charming and disarming – this is why parents and children would trust him.
Gerard, how difficult was it to play a real person who’s endured so much trauma?
It felt like a huge responsibility, and I wanted to do the emotion of Andy justice. However, the emotion almost took care of itself because of the writing, directing and collaboration with everyone. When there’s a team effort, the weight is off an individual’s shoulders.
What do you hope the legacy of this drama might be?
Jonas Because of the world in which the story is set – football being a national sport, a macho sport that still involves a kind of lad culture, and lads don’t really like talking about anything – I think the film breaks down a wall, which will make it more accessible for people to open up about this. Gerard Men not talking about problems is a massive thing, isn’t it? Andy called himself a warrior, and I agree with him. He’s so brave. After everything he’s been through, I’ve got such admiration for him.