In episode 35 we’re talking with actor PEARL MACKIE (THE DIPLOMAT, DOCTOR WHO) about the PBS MASTERPIECE mini series TOM JONES. Pearl Mackie plays Honour Newton, the worldly-wise trusted lady’s maid of Sophia Western (Sophie Wilde) in a 4-part reimagining of Henry Fielding’s comic novel, "The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling," published in 1749. We discuss the dynamics of Honour and Sophia’s relationship, the challenge of riding a horse while wearing a corset, and living as two Black women from different social standings in mid-18th century England.

TRANSCRIPT

TIMESTAMPS: 0:08 Historical Drama with The Boston Sisters generic intro; 1:14 Episode Synopsis; 1:41 TOM JONES Synopsis; 2:15 PEARL MACKIE bio/credits; 3:38 Playing Honour Newton, Lady’s Maid; 8:42 Corsets and Horses; 12:40 Honour and Sophia in TOM JONES; 13:52 Black Women in Historical Drama; 20:41 Honour Assesses Tom Jones’s Character; 24:47 Podcast Break; 25:18 Listening to Actors; 30:47 Black Women Actors and Maid Roles; 41:28 Inclusive Casting in Historical Drama; 45:10 Lighting Round Questions; 45:31 Time Travel (1960S Civil Rights and Medieval Shield Maidens); 45:49 Pearl Mackie’s Time Capsule (Spice Girls, Tamagotchi, and Blow-Up Chairs) ; 48:00 Where to Watch TOM JONES; 49:17 Podcast Closing Credits; 50:18 Disclaimer

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