Peter Polycarpou on becoming Poirot, 47 years in acting and the joy of the job
For more than four decades, Peter Polycarpou has built an extraordinary career across stage and screen, earning two Olivier Award nominations and becoming one of Britain’s most respected actors. Now, he is taking on one of theatre’s most iconic characters: Hercule Poirot.
Following in the footsteps of legendary performers including Albert Finney, Peter Ustinov, David Suchet and Kenneth Branagh, Polycarpou admits that the role is both a daunting responsibility and an exciting creative challenge. Yet, as he explains, his approach to Poirot has been less about imitation and more about discovering the humanity beneath the famous detective’s meticulous exterior.
In this interview, Peter talks about immersing himself in Agatha Christie’s world, the surprising compassion he has discovered in Poirot, and why fear can be an important part of the creative process. He also reflects on a remarkable 47 years in the profession, his hopes of one day playing Zorba the Greek, his love of cooking, music and his allotment, and the family life he describes as making him “the happiest man alive.”
As rehearsals get underway, Barney Efthimiou caught up with Peter to talk about stepping into the shoes of one of fiction’s most recognisable detectives – and the man behind the moustache.
First of all Peter, congratulations on landing such an iconic role. How does it feel following in the footsteps of Messrs Finney, Ustinov, Suchet, Branagh et al?
Daunting, but at the same time a hugely interesting challenge. It’s a great honour to be asked to play this iconic character and to bring my own understanding of his personality and depth of knowledge of investigating the worst of all possible crimes.
When you accepted the role, what was the very first thought that went through your mind – excitement, fear, responsibility, or something else entirely?
It was excitement, as it is with everything I do where work is concerned. I wouldn’t do a job I didn’t feel as if I would be challenged by either. Fear too, is an important part of the creative process. Not so much that you’re overwhelmed by it, but enough to keep you on your toes and alert.
I’m sure every actor is asked this but have you watched previous performances of the role, or have you deliberately tried to avoid them while developing your own character?
I have watched a fair amount of David Suchet and I’ve watched Ustinov and Branagh too, but my main research has been finding out through reading some of the 33 novels in which the character appears, the biographies by Christie herself and the one by Lucy Worsley and in particular an excellent book by Mark Aldridge about Poirot and everything he has ever been in; books, films, television and stage works.
What have you discovered about the character during rehearsals that surprised you or challenged what you thought you knew about them?
The compassion and humanity of a man who really understands the nature of human frailty.
Do you find it difficult to switch off from a character when you come home after a long day of rehearsals?
With the amount of learning and reading I’ve had to do just to stay on top of the material, it’s been impossible not to bring him home. It took me nearly two months just to be on top of the words!
As Britain’s leading actor of Cypriot origin with a varied and distinguished career, including two Olivier Award nominations, that has spanned film, TV, radio, theatre and more, what role, if any, is there that you would most like to play?
I guess before I get too old I would love to have a go at Zorba the Greek. If there’s someone out there capable of adapting that for the stage, I’d love to bring his character to life.
Has your relationship with fame or public attention changed as your career has developed?
I’ve never really thought of myself as famous and I still don’t. I’m really just a jobbing actor who has been incredibly lucky to have worked as much as I have. Work breeds work and the more people you work with the more experience you gain and the more contacts you make.
When did you know you wanted to be a performer (your sister Eve is also an actor/singer) and what was the reaction of your parents?
Whilst my parents wouldn’t have wanted me to be an actor and I think they felt the same way about Eve, they eventually saw that I wasn’t able to do anything else with my life even though I’d tried a couple of other things before settling on acting. It began with being able to make a living at it and I think they respected that.
When you’re not acting, what do you do to relax and let go of the day job?
I play the piano at home to relax. I read. I like to cook,; I learnt from my Grandfather. I’m lucky enough to live by the river so I use the river a lot to relax. And of course, my pride and joy is my allotment!
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given, personally and professionally?
Never be too in love with the text that you can’t see there might be benefit in losing some of what you say! On a personal level, patience is wisdom. Take from that what you will.
What is something about you that might surprise people who only know you through your work?
I am a Spurs supporter and go whenever I can, to see our side get humiliated week after week.
When you think about the life you’ve built away from the stage, what are you most proud of?
Being the happiest man alive with my married life, my family and my work. I am the luckiest man alive truly to be doing what I am doing and to still love my work after 47 years and I am married to the love of my life.
And finally how are rehearsals going?
We are in the thick of it at the moment. It’s hard, detailed work. We have a great cast and we are finding our way through this brilliant piece of writing. All in all I’d say it’s going as well as can be expected.
Thank you Peter and we wish you well with the tour.
Photo credit (Peter Polycarpou as Poirot): Oliver Rosser
Peter Polycarpou is an established stage and screen actor whose career spans international film, high-profile television, and critically acclaimed theatre. His work has earned him two Olivier Award nominations. He is also a director of the Royal Theatrical Fund.
Theatre credits include: Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular (Royal Albert Hall, 3Arena – Dublin & Utilitia Arena – Birmingham), The Unlikely Pilgrimage Of Harold Fry (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Hello, Dolly! (Lido2 Paris), The Band’s Visit (Donmar Warehouse), Indecent (Menier Chocolate Factory), A Very Expensive Poison (The Old Vic), Moonlight, Man of La Mancha (ENO), Oslo (Harold Pinter Theatre), Les Misérables (Dubai), Ross (Chichester Festival Theatre), Oliver! (Curve), Follies (Royal Albert Hall), City of Angels (Donmar Warehouse), Guys and Dolls (Chichester Festival Theatre), The Magistrate (RNT), Working (Southwark Playhouse), Mrs Henderson Presents (Toronto), Artefacts (Bush Theatre), and Last Easter (Birmingham Rep).
Film credits include: Ghostwriter (dir. J.J. Abrams), Greenland Migration, The Brutalist, Blue Iguana, Cleanskin, I Could Never Be Your Woman, O Jerusalem, De-Lovely, Oklahoma!, Julie and the Cadillacs, Bloodlines: Legacy of a Lord, and Evita.
Television credits include: House of the Dragon, The Diplomat, Miss Scarlett and the Duke, Kaos, Grantchester, The Serial Killers’ Wife, Midsomer Murders, Stath Lets Flats, Unforgotten, Defending the Guilty, Tyrant, The Lost Honour of Christopher Jefferies, Family Tree, Threesome, Hustle, Last Days of Lehman Brothers, Holby City, Empathy, EastEnders, The Bill, Waking the Dead, and Sunburn.