BRIDGERTON ACTOR PLAYS IT FOR LAUGHS IN SITCOM DINOSAURS
Lorn fulfils lifelong dream by starring alongside Still Game veterans I grew up watching comedy legends Greg and Sanjeev but after all our nights out I know they’re not..
ACTING opposite Still Game legends Greg Hemphill and Sanjeev Kohli in new BBC comedy series Dinosaur was a dream come true for Bridgerton star Lorn Macdonald.
The 30-year-old, who has also appeared in Outlander and Shetland, admits filming with the well-kent duo had him in kinks – as did the time they spent in the pub after the cameras stopped rolling.
Fifer Lorn plays the male lead in the hilarious series, produced by the team behind Fleabag.
The Kirkcaldy native and Raith Rovers fan, who plays Philippa Finch’s husband Albion in Bridgerton, said: “As a kid I used to watch these guys on the telly and think ‘Wow!’ so to be on set with them was mindblowing.
“I pulled Greg aside and said, ‘Do you realise the effect you are having on all the young guys in the cast?’
“I remember sitting having a meal with him and thinking, ‘Hold on, I’m sat here joking and laughing with a Scottish comedy legend.’
“I was making fun of him saying, ‘Who’d have thought I’d be higher up the call sheet than Greg Hemphill?’ and he found that funny.”
Lorn, who won a Scottish Bafta for his role in acclaimed movie Beats, added: “Greg and Sanjeev kept saying they felt like a couple of old fogies but they certainly didn’t act that. They were out with the young cast every night and were always in it for the long haul and didn’t drift off. They are not old fogies in our eyes – just old legends.”
Dinosaur, which airs on BBC Scotland next week, follows Nina, played by the show’s writer Ashley Storrie, an autistic woman in her 30s, who adores her life living with her sister and best friend Evie.
However, when Evie rushes into an engagement after only six weeks and makes Nina her maid of honour, Nina is floored.
Forced to reconcile with her sister’s impulsive decision, Nina grapples with what this new challenge means, leading to a surprising journey of self-discovery.
With Greg playing Nina’s eccentric dad Ade, Sanjeev appearing as Nina’s sister’s future father-in-law Sachin and Lorn starring as Nina’s love interest Lee – the show promises to be a belter.
Lorn, who is usually cast as traumatised characters, admits “loveable oddball” Lee was a joy to play as he got to exaggerate aspects of his own personality. He said: “This character was something very different for me. I am usually tearing my hair out or having a very depressing time of it, whether that is on stage, film or TV.
“Lee and Nina are both loveable oddballs and they have a great chemistry. I’m not very like Lee in real life but there are aspects of him I have injected into the script. He is verging on being an old man and I am certainly that.”
Lorn, who graduated from the Royal Conservatoire in 2015, added: “Lee is the best version of a guilty pleasure. He is a kind, endearing guy and the writer has made sure to convey he is more than just the love interest.
“When I was younger I always imagined myself as a comedy actor as I was the class clown but at drama school they realised I did crying well. I found myself cast as the tormented character. Dinosaur has allowed me to be funny again.”
The series, which is set to stream in the US, also stars River City’s Sally Howitt as Nina’s mum, It’s a Sin’s David Carlyle as her brother Bo and The Royal Mob’s Kat Ronney as her sister Evie.
Ashley, the daughter of stand-up Janey Godley, has channelled her own neurodiversity while writing and starring in the show which is set in the west end of Glasgow, where Nina works as a paleontologist at the Kelvingrove Museum.
Lorn said: “Ashley has brought her own authenticity which is very relatable. I don’t think there is anyone watching the series who thinks I don’t understand that reaction or feeling as I am not autistic. Ashley has tapped into things most people feel but won’t come out and say.
“Her character’s honesty is the key as to why it all works. Dinosaur shines a positive light on autism and neurodiversity.”
He added: “She has also made Glasgow one of the stars of the show. The west end is shown in all of its gorgeous glory.”
Lorn, who played Renton in the Citizen’s production of Trainspotting, said: “I’d love another series. It’s rare to have a show where you’re annoyed at a character one minute and love them the next. It’s a beauty of a comedy and I hope the world will fall in love with it as much as the cast have.”
Lorn, whose last movie – dark thriller Tummy Monster – was a big hit at the Glasgow Film Festival, is also looking forward to next month’s third season of Bridgerton.
He said: “My character Albion Finch has a nice story arc which is all about the romance between his sister-in law Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton.
“I love the series and the role I play and this season I get to stretch my legs even more. Albion has married into one of the two central families so they can’t get rid of me.”
Lorn, whose dad was a Church of Scotland minister and mum a historian, always knew he was destined for showbusiness and would love to play comedian Rik Mayall in a movie of his life.
He said: “I am one of those annoying people who always knew what they wanted to do – acting. I remember being five and watching Jim Carrey in Dumb and Dumber. When I worked out that was his job that was it. He was paid to laugh and have fun – I’d found my calling.
“I don’t have a dream role – however, if someone fancies writing the Rik Mayall biopic I reckon I could give that a good go.
“I can do his faces and that is half the battle. I have quite a malleable face, which I take as a compliment.”
Lorn, who was raised in Edinburgh, added: “I’ve been on a good run and am looking forward to what the future holds on stage, on screen and everything in between.” ■ Dinosaur will air on BBC Scotland on April 14 and 15, at 10.30pm. It will also be on iPlayer and shown on BBC Three from April 16 at 9pm.