In conversation with Scottish actor and producer Joanna Vanderham as she delves into her role, working alongside Irvine Welsh and future plans in the industry
Joanna Vanderham presenting Crime Series 2
No stranger to the depravity of humanity, with books and film adaptations placing alcoholics, corrupt policemen, and heroin addicts as the protagonists, Irvine Welsh’s storytelling is like no other. 2021 saw the TV adaptation of the 2008 novel, Crime, the sequel to his earlier work, Filth, come alive on the screen, co-written by Welsh himself and Dean Cavanagh, however with a couple of edits to the storyline. In the first series of this drama, set in Edinburgh, Detective Inspector Ray Lennox, played by Dougray Scott, along with his new partner Detective Sergeant Amanda Drummond, played by Joanna Vanderham, investigate the abduction and murder of a schoolgirl. Crime Series 2 will air exclusively on ITVX on Thursday 21st September. Before the upcoming release, we caught up with the actor Joanna Vanderham to discuss adapting for the role, the entertainment industry, and what we can expect in the second season.
Joanna Vanderham as Amanda Drummond
Glesni Trefor Williams
How did you research and prepare for your role as DS Amanda Drummond?
Joanna Vanderham
I did a lot of research into what Drummond’s career path would have looked like, what education and training she would have had to get to this point. Drummond believes she is the future of policing. She doesn’t think of herself as part of the problem but ultimately she reveals herself to be ruthlessly ambitious. One of the reasons I enjoy working with Irvine Welsh is that his characters are often painfully unaware of their shortcomings, making decisions based on their life experiences. I was able to delve into what kind of person she is, how she ticks. I use visualizations and music to help me build the inner workings of a character. I walk around the city trying to think like them, walk like them, letting their personality traits color the way I see the world. That way, when I am on set, it’s much easier to slip into character quickly.
Glesni Trefor Williams
In what ways do you think Crime stands out from others in the genre, and what unique contributions do you believe the show brings to the television landscape?
Joanna Vanderham
Crime is ambitious. It isn’t your standard cop procedural. The first season didn’t conform to the usual structure of a detective drama and season two has moved even further from that. The audience doesn’t witness the crime and then wait for the detectives to figure it out, the story is always one step-ahead. Personally, I was drawn to the social politics discussed in the show. Irvine has written such detailed supporting characters, each one of them could get their own spin-off. The show is filled with hilarious, controversial, dynamic exchanges on themes such as gender politics and toxic masculinity.
Joanna Vanderham and Dougray Scott
Glesni Trefor Williams
Can you share any behind-the-scenes anecdotes from days on set? How was working with your on-screen partner, Dougray Scott?
Joanna Vanderham
Dougray and I have an easy dynamic on set, often understanding what the other is trying to do before we’ve even discussed it. Some of the scenes are quite exposing, therefore to be working with someone so supportive, meant I felt safe and encouraged to make bold choices. I loved filming the second season, particularly because we see what Drummond gets up to when she’s not working. It turns out she has three cats, who she hates, because they remind her how lonely she is. In one scene a cat is meant to jump on my lap and give me a fright, but the only way we could get it to work was if the animal handler sat just out of frame and tossed the cat at me! (No cats were harmed in the filming of this series). The producers joked that both Dougray and I were going to be upstaged by these cats!
Glesni Trefor Williams
What drew you to the role in Crime, and what excites you the most about portraying your character?
Joanna Vanderham
I have been a big fan of Irvine for as long as I can remember, and this is his first TV series, so I jumped at the chance of playing Drummond. Her confidence has really grown in the second season after her promotion, she isn’t afraid to speak up now, she’s learnt the rules of the game when it comes to how to get ahead in the police force, and she acknowledges her own aspirations. There’s also a new dynamic between her and Lennox. Her admiration for him becomes more complex so she’s navigating that, but in true Irvine Welsh style, she doesn’t handle like you’d expect.
More death, more sex, more politics, some brilliant new characters – Joanna Vanderham
Glesni Trefor Williams
Without giving away spoilers, what can the viewers expect to look forward to in the upcoming series?
Joanna Vanderham
More death, more sex, more politics, some brilliant new characters… and cats.
Glesni Trefor Williams
Are there any specific roles you’d like to explore in the future?
Joanna Vanderham
There are so many. I want to play Lady Maceth, Hedda Gabler, and Blanche in A Streetcar Named Desire. But I also really want to play a spy or an agent of some sort, I love fighting combat scenes! ‘Joanna Vanderham saves the day!’ I got a little taste of the spy filming Crime when I got to learn how to pick a lock – they actually used the take where I picked the lock for real, so that’s my genuine reaction to breaking in.
Joanna Vanderham – theater, television, and film
Glesni Trefor Williams
You have transitioned between theater, television, and film. How do these mediums differ in terms of preparation and performance, and do you have a preference?
Joanna Vanderham
The differences lie in the preparation. With theater, you get weeks of rehearsals, time to try things, a director helping you decide what choice works best. In my experience with screen work there’s a lot less time to rehearse and the prep is often more independent. When it comes to performance, I try to focus on making sure it feels real to me. I might make my facial expressions slightly smaller because I know the camera will pick up what I’m thinking without me doing as much as I would on stage, but I don’t really think about it anymore. I love the variety I get in my career. I’d say there’s less waiting around while working on a play but “I don’t get paid to act, I get paid to wait.” I don’t know who said it but it’s true.
Motivation and change adaptation according to Joanna Vanderham
Glesni Trefor Williams
The entertainment industry is constantly evolving. How do you stay motivated and adapt to changes in the industry to keep your career thriving?
Joanna Vanderham
I’ve started producing. I have a couple of projects in the pipeline at the moment. This has been a really interesting progression for me. Getting to grips with what goes into making a show from scratch has given me a newfound respect for writers and producers. I’ve had to learn about the legality of telling a certain story, the process of getting the scripts ready, casting… There are so many moving parts. Interestingly, a lot of it is chicken and egg, once one thing falls into place the rest tends to follow suit. I’m excited about these stories, I can’t wait for them to become reality. I’ve also written a play, well, I adapted it from a novel, which is keeping me busy!
Glesni Trefor Williams
Finally, what upcoming projects, other than Crime, can we expect to see you in?
Joanna Vanderham
There are a few things I’m not allowed to mention, yet. But I’d love to get back on stage so I better finish writing that play…
Joanna Vanderham
Scottish actor and producer. After graduating from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, she has starred in several television, film and stage roles, including Sky One’s crime drama The Runaway, a debut role for which she was nominated for an International Emmy Award, BBC drama The Control Room, and most recently Irvine Welsh’s Crime.
Crime Series 2, airing exclusively on ITVX, Thursday 21st September
Photography Andy Hoang, fashion Styling Kayleigh Swan
Photography: Andy Hoang
Fashion Stylist: Kayleigh Swan
Photo assistant: Jasmine Boulton
Retoucher: Kevin Mantey
Talent: Joanna Vanderham
Location: Home House London
Glesni Trefor Williams
