Benjamin Jones
On set, in the secret studio outside of London and amid the cold December air, the crew and cast of the series “Bridgerton” were busy working. Among them, Nicola Coughlan, who plays Penelope Featherington.
As the new season of the Netflix series approaches, with a release date set for May 16, fans can expect to see Coughlan in a new light. Her character goes through a journey this season that is not just an on-screen transformation, but a reflection of Coughlan’s own growth as an actress.
“She really becomes herself,” Coughlan said.
Coughlan didn’t have an easy path to stardom; she juggled part-time work at an optician’s surgery in Galway with trials in London. Despite the difficult journey, she said she never lost faith.
“I guess I felt like a fool. It’s like winning the lottery. That doesn’t really happen for most people. And it’s terribly unfair because it often has very little to do with talent. I’ve met amazing people at drama school who have never worked, ” said Coughlan.
Her breakout role came with the comedy series “Derry Girls,” where she played a Catholic schoolgirl navigating teenage life during The Troubles in Northern Ireland. The show was a springboard that led her to “Bridgerton.”
This season, she faces new challenges as she takes on her first romantic role, a departure from her typically comedic roles. Coughlan said she found this scary and intimidating, as she is used to playing funny and strange characters.
She said starring alongside actor Luke Newton, who plays her Bridgerton love interest Colin, helped ease her anxiety.
“I think I always have to remind myself that no matter what character you play as an actor, there is always an element of you in it,” she said. “I was irritated with myself and thinking, ‘Stop feeling this way.’ But then I thought Penelope would feel it.”
This season promises about 40 distinct hairstyles for Penelope, according to Emmy-winning hair and makeup artist Erika Ökvist, responsible for the series’ elaborate hairstyles. It will also feature many more colorful dresses, something the show is known for as Penelope prepares to find a husband who will give her a complete makeover.
“She really grows throughout the season. You know, and she’s becoming a woman, and the shapes of the dresses and corsets reflect that,” Coughlan said.
Anthony Mason
