May 10, 2024
The star of Space Babies discusses the unique Whoniverse of Doctor Who, her character, and what's it's like being opposite Ncuti Gatwa...
Doctor Who returns this weekend with a double bill of adventures for the Fifteenth Doctor and Ruby Sunday. First they meet the adorable Space Babies in the far flung future, but who is looking after the wonderful babies but their Nan-E? Enter Bridgerton and Queen Charlotte star, Golda Rosheuvel.
We spoke to Golda about her character, the writing of Russell T Davies and working with Space Babies!
Doctor Who is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ where available.
How did you come to be cast in Doctor Who?
I got to the end of a busy press tour for Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story last year, and my agent was like, "What do you fancy doing next?" I said, "I'd love to do Doctor Who." It's one of those shows that every actor has their eye on. It’s like a rite of passage. I had auditioned for it several times over the years, and friends had always pipped me to the post. But now the timing was definitely right. I knew my dear, dear friend Julie Anne Robinson was directing one of the first episodes – she directed the first episode of the first season of Bridgerton. I don't know whether Julie Anne was going, "Of course, I’d love to be reunited with Golda." But I just randomly put the request out there, and it came back. So the stars, the solar system, the whole Doctor Who universe aligned!
How did you feel when you were told you had the part?
It was great - and then very terrifying! It’s such an iconic show. If it wasn't scary, I wouldn't be in this industry. I’ve been working for a while now, but to still be able to have those butterflies is important for that creativity.
Was it hard to keep it secret when you got the part?
I think I told my wife. She was trustworthy! But I like keeping secrets. Because I've known the secret since I signed the contract in May 2023. I love all that kind of stuff. It’s part of the job.
How would you describe your character, Jocelyn?
She is hard working. But she's been abandoned. Due to that loneliness, there are difficulties that she must contend with on a personal level. When you're confined to a space on your own, it can be quite challenging. She has a fierce loyalty and protectiveness. But maybe she doesn't always make good choices because of her isolation.
Did you enjoy working with Ncuti?
Absolutely. He’s fantastic, a lovely, really beautiful man. He is very kind and generous. Playing a part like that could be quite daunting for some people, but he really took it in his stride. I was so impressed. I can't wait to see his creation in full because I think he's stepped into the role with great poise, great grace. He's got a real twinkle in his eyes.
How did you find the filming?
It was brilliant. It’s such a fun place to be. When you go into the world, you have to have that sense that it's bigger than life. But it also has these really beautiful moments of creativity. It's such a creative environment - not only being in it, but watching it. It's one of those shows that make you lean forward. You want to know what they're going to create next.
What is so unique about Russell’s writing?
It’s really great. His scripts are fantastic because they offer an authentic observation within a fantasy world, within a world that is bigger than us. He is really clever at creating characters that you can relate to, but setting them in this larger-than-life world. That is what's appealing about it, audiences really relate to authentic stories and authentic characters set in worlds that they can disappear into. That’s the beauty of Russell’s storytelling.
Russell writes so well for actors, doesn’t he?
Absolutely. Actors can really connect with their characters, but, like the woman I play, they are set in a futuristic world. My episode is set on a baby farm run by babies, and the Doctor and his companion are facing off with a bogeyman. So the characters are very real, but the world they exist in creates that sense of wonderment. That’s very exciting to play with.
If you could go anywhere in time and space, where would you travel to?
I have just come back from LA. I've got some dear friends there who are the family of the great musician Mel Tormé. Our families grew up together. I would describe them as old Hollywood. When I was in LA, I saw Mel’s daughter Daisy and we were talking about old Hollywood. I'd love to go back to that time. There were so many wonderful movie stars back then. I'd love to go on The Mel Tormé Show in 1951 or 1952. I think would be really lovely to go back to that old Hollywood period.
One of the first laws of acting is never work with children or animals. So how did you find it working with all those babies?
I loved that challenge. It wasn't as difficult as you would think it would be because the environment that the crew created was one of real joy and playfulness. So when you do have to swap babies in and out or you have babies crying when they’re not supposed to be crying, it's done with real ease. It’s a very caring place to be. You have to create that environment of care when you have real babies on set. You have lights and cameras and loads of people and mums, all that kind of stuff. It’s about keeping everybody calm, and just creating a really loving, nurturing environment.
Could you summarise Doctor Who in a sentence?
It’s a modern-classic, trip-of-a-lifetime family show.
Doctor Who is now streaming on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ where available.