INTERVIEW: IRVIN RIVERA

English actor, LOUIS PARTRIDGE is absolutely a rising star to watch. The 17 year old actor plays Viscount Tewksbury in the Netflix film ENOLA HOLMES alongside Millie Bobby Brown, Henry Cavill, Helena Bonham Carter and Sam Claflin.

Based on Nancy Springer novels, the story acts as a prequel to the Sherlock Holmes stories and is centered on Sherlock’s rebellious teenage sister Enola’s adventures in 19th Century England. Partridge’s character Tewksbury meets Enola on her journey to find her mother after running away from his family. Since then, the two form their alliance and became friends.

LOUIS PARTRIDGE is best known for his role in Netflix’s MEDICI: THE MAGNIFICENT as ‘Piero de Medici.” Previously, Louis has starred in the Nafta nominated PADDINGTON 2 playing the role of ‘G- man’ alongside Hugh Grant and Michael Gambon. He also starred in the Warner Bros adaptation of Peter Pan, PAN. The film serves as a prequel to Peter and Wendy, focusing on an alternative origin story for peter pan and Captain Hook. In 2017 Louis starred as the role of the young ‘Henry Bates’ in the 2017 drama, AMAZON ADVENTURE. 

In this exclusive interview, Partridge talks about his role as Viscount Tewksbury in the show, working alongside Millie Bobby Brown, the challenges he faced during filming, dream project, and the benefits of being nervous on set.

How was it to play the young Viscount Tewksbury in ENOLA HOLMES?

Well Tewksbury was initially written to be a more clumsy and almost goofy character, but after rehearsals with Harry (Bradbeer) the director, and having experimented with Millie, it felt like Tewksbury should be more honest and inexperienced as opposed to just inept. I like the feeling of contributing to the writing of your character. It also helped me to bring Tewky to life.

What’s the best part about playing his character?

The fact that Tewksbury on the surface can be seen as stuck up and arrogant but once he’s given a chance, Enola realizes that he is so much more than just that and that he is capable of great empathy and hasn’t necessarily had the easiest life. I hope the audience first see him and think ‘who’s this buffoon’ and then gradually grow to love him.

What’s unique about this film?

I love the film because it’s so many things at once. There are moments of great comedy, black comedy, horror and action. It just takes you on the best journey through 19th century England and what it was all about.

Can you recall a memorable moment while working with Millie Bobby Brown?

Yes, making a music video in between takes of the train chase (one of the most intense scenes of the film) I think that pretty much sums up what it was like on set.

Were you a fan of Sherlock Holmes or any detective stories? If yes, what’s your favorite detective story?Embarrassingly enough I was never into Sherlock Holmes, I much preferred Agatha Christie. I got so into the ABC murders and especially ‘and then there were none’. I read it twice and then went to see it at the theatre as well. You’d have thought that after finding out who the killer was the first time, the mystery would have been ruined but no, apparently not.

How did you manage to rise above the challenges that you encountered during the filming process?

I did feel immense pressure working alongside such huge names and so great a team but luckily I had Millie who I became good mates with off screen to make the moments on screen so much less nerve wracking and more natural. Harry Bradbeer, the director, was also so understanding and even took me aside once to tell me that ‘if you’re not nervous, you’re no bloody good’

Everyone’s process is different, and each has their unique approach to things.  What do you do before you go and film a scene?

It’s such a tricky question. My process is different for every part I play. I often use playlists that I’ve created that help me get into character, or take a moment to close my eyes and remind myself of the scene my characters in. But for Enola it was a mixture of both plus the natural energy on set I felt around Millie and the team. It was a mixture of intensity and humour which, looking back, was perfect for who I was playing.

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted to do from a young age?

Not particularly, no. I had never even considered the concept of future until I was about 12 so I can’t say it was something I’d always wanted to do however I do remember standing on stage playing Maid Marion in my year 4 play and just having a blast and kind of enjoying the fact that I was making a fool of myself 

What’s your dream project?

I’ve always thought that I want to be a part of a project that makes you feel something, and for you to be able to remember that feeling after the film/ series has finished. I have similar experiences with films like ‘Call Me by Your Name’ and ‘Manchester by the Sea’ and that’s what made them my favourites.

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I think Tewksbury because I feel like I had the most creative input into the conception of the character himself. I definitely brought aspects of myself into it and tried to take it as off the page as possible. 

Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?

I love a bit of piano playing (despite not being able to actually read music) and skateboarding around London 

What are you most excited about this year?

The film coming out! It’s a mixture between being excited and apprehensive as to what it will bring. Other than that I can’t wait to be able to blast ‘Fairytale of New York’ while the family dances in the kitchen eating mince pies.

What’s a valuable lesson that you learned that you always carry with you?

Oh there’s so many. A favorite is the aforementioned ‘if you’re not nervous you’re no bloody good’ - Harry Bradbeer. But also not to get too invested in a part you haven’t got. If you don’t get it, it wasn’t right for you, I can look back on so many parts I looked at and thought ‘that’s the one’ and they’ve turned out to be mediocre. You’ve just got to trust that you’re good enough and that something will come along (and try not to hate the actor that took “your part”)

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

The Case of the Missing Marquess, By Nancy Springer. Because although I haven’t read it, I am aware it’s a brilliant read