Lisa Riley on drama Age Before Beauty
Drama
Covered in body art with thick kohlrimmed eyes and sporting a slick of plum-coloured lipstick, Lisa Riley looks almost unrecognisable when we meet in Manchester on the set of her latest drama, BBC1’S glossy family saga Age Before Beauty.
‘I can’t stand vain actors. If you’re going to play someone, then you’ve got to play it to the fullest!’ she smiles, as we chat about her character, tomboy tattooist Tina Regan, one of four sisters who all work at the struggling family business, Mirrorbel Beauty Salon, at the heart of the story.
Down to earth, funny and warm, Lisa’s always a pleasure to interview, but today, 13 July, she’s on particularly top form as it’s her birthday and her cast mates have been spoiling her. ‘We’ve become so close,’ she says.
During a break in filming, Lisa tells TV Times why this job is a joy…
on her joy at playing a tattooist and having Sue Johnston as a screen mum…
Tina has this wonderful and shocking
secret…
How would you describe Tina? She’s sarcastic and very wry. Tina doesn’t miss a trick; she hears everything and is the backbone of the family. Society has a tendency to judge everyone and that’s what everyone has always done with Tina, but they’re wrong – she has this wonderful and shocking secret, which is soon revealed.
Tina has three sisters, Bel (polly walker), Leanne (Kelly Harrison) and Heidi (vicky Myers). what’s the dynamic like? The sisters are all so different for the right reasons – it’s like a Spice Girl thing! – and that’s writer Debbie Horsfield’s genius. They get frustrated with each other, but it’s how sisters are. Off-screen, it’s been amazing; we have morphed into this family. Like Tina, I’ve been a confidante for the girls but that is me – I’m a good listener.
it must be lovely having sue Johnston as your mum, ivy-rae… I’ve known Sue for ever and having her play my mum is a godsend. Today I had a little tear because my mum’s not here [Lisa’s mum sadly passed away in 2012 after a long battle with cancer] and Sue was incredible and said, ‘I’m here for you today.’ She’s a very special lady. But her character is off the wall! what research did you do?
I spent a day with a brilliant tattooist called Gillian. What stood out was her banter when client after client came in. I also worked with the designer on the show and with hair and make-up, as we were keen not to make Tina too butch. We looked at people like [American burlesque dancer] Dita Von Teese but added a tomboy twist. How long does it take to transform into Tina?
A long time! Tina’s got 14 tattoos, all transfers, and they’ve got to look worn in. Once they’re on, we paint them with a sealant – which looks like hair gel – to make them waterproof. I go home and to the gym with them on. It’s weird, but you get used to them.
Tina’s tattoos each have a story… Yes, the wise old owl represents Tina’s role in the family; she’s loyal and respectful. The key represents the notion that she locks away secrets; you can trust her. The Manchester bee means nothing flies by Tina – and being a true Mancunian myself, it had to be there.
Have you ever considered having a tattoo for real? Years ago, I wanted one down my side and I actually went into a tattoo parlour but chickened out at the last minute! You were born in Bury but are now based in London. was it nice to be filming in Manchester?
Yes, and my dad and nephews love it. I’m so proud to be from Manchester. We did a scene the other night on the roof of the salon and got to see the whole skyline. We were all taking photos on our phones with the director laughing at us as most of us grew up here!