Renowned English actor James Norton has taken on the challenge of mastering a Dublin accent for his role in the upcoming Netflix series *The House of Guinness*, set to premiere tomorrow. The series, created by the minds behind *Peaky Blinders*, is an eight-episode reimagining of the repercussions following the death of Benjamin Guinness, the patriarch of the famous Guinness family, in the 1800s.
Incorporating a mix of Irish and English actors, the series features talents such as Fionn O’Shea from *Normal People*, Anthony Boyle of *Say Nothing*, Jack Gleeson known for *Game of Thrones*, actress Emily Fairn, and Louis Partridge from *Enola Holmes*. Norton, a London native who has appeared in *Happy Valley* and Greta Gerwig’s 2019 film *Little Women*, takes on the role of Sean Rafferty, the foreman at the Guinness brewery.
Discussing his preparation for the role with the PA news agency, Norton emphasized the importance of authenticity in portraying his character’s accent. “I worked hard. I was aware that many actors have gotten it wrong, and the Irish are a proud bunch so if you get it wrong, you hear about it,” he remarked. Norton credited his fellow cast members for providing valuable guidance.
Norton delves into Irish history through the series, describing the experience as a “massive revelation.” He expressed surprise at the significant influence the Guinness family had on Dublin’s architecture and their extensive welfare and philanthropic efforts, all of which are depicted in the show.
He shared that the Guinness family were pioneers, establishing one of the first multinational drinks companies and dominating the North American market. “It was both eye-opening and an incredibly thrilling journey to delve into all of that,” Norton added.
The series promises to explore the “far-reaching impact” of Benjamin Guinness’s death on his four children and various Dublin characters intertwined with the family’s burgeoning empire. Anthony Boyle portrays the eldest son poised to inherit the business, drawing inspiration for his character’s personality from literary icon Oscar Wilde.
Boyle, celebrating the burgeoning presence of Irish culture on the global stage, praised the inclusion of artists like Kneecap and Fontaines DC on the show’s soundtrack. “I’m really, really proud Irish culture is having such an amazing moment right now,” he said.
Steven Knight, the series creator, emphasized that incorporating Irish culture was effortless, as it naturally permeates the storyline. He expressed surprise that the Guinness family’s historical narrative had not been explored in depth on screen before. Knight described their story as “dynamite,” highlighting its potential to captivate audiences.
*The House of Guinness* promises to offer a captivating look at a pivotal era in Irish history, intertwining drama, culture, and historical intrigue with rich performances from its distinguished cast.