Playing the bad GUY
TOM CULLEN on his role as Guy Fawkes in the shocking finale of Gunpowder…
GRIPPING MINI-SERIES Gunpowder reaches its brutal conclusion this week, as Guy Fawkes is caught red-handed next to barrels of explosives beneath the Houses of Parliament. And for actor Tom Cullen, who plays the notorious plotter, that meant enduring some gruesome scenes.
‘Of course, the Gunpowder plot is inexcusable, but the human capacity for violence will always confound me and what they did to Fawkes is shocking,’ he says. ‘That was a tough place to go to as an actor – that level of pain. We don’t want to give people nightmares but the torture is an important part of the story.’
GRUESOME SCENES
Cullen, who played Downton Abbey’s Anthony Gillingham, spent time at drama school with co-star Kit Harington and has been desperate to work with him ever since. ‘we were studying in London, but I got kicked out in true Guy Fawkes fashion – I, too, was young and angry!’ he laughs.
‘We’ve remained friends and it’s been thrilling watching his success. When he told me about this project I knew I had to be in on it. I had to audition, but I was determined to get the role. I enjoy playing dark characters and I felt like I really understood Fawkes.’
PLAYING IT DARK
Dedicated as he was to securing the part, there was one sacrifice Cullen wasn’t prepared to make – dyeing his hair. ‘the real Guy Fawkes was ginger with long hair, so we talked about dyeing my hair, but I just looked stupid,’ he laughs. ‘Instead we just tried to make sure he looked like he had an edge, with scars on his face and dirt all over him.’
Cullen, 32, hopes the series will encourage viewers to reassess the famous chapter in British history.
‘We don’t glorify or condone the plotters’ actions; we’re letting viewers make their own minds up,’ he says. ‘I like to be in dramas that ask big questions and explore the human condition, and this is one that will always be relevant.’
On a lighter note, the series has certainly changed the way Cullen will mark the day on 5 November.
‘I’m not sure I can watch any effigies being burned now I’ve played the Guy,’ he laughs. ‘Bonfire Night is cancelled in my house!’