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Esther Smith and Rafe Spall talk ‘Trying’: A Monica and Chandler for 2020? (exclusive)

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in <i>Trying</i>. (Apple TV+)
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in Trying. (Apple TV+)

Adoption is a serious subject, but the challenge for Esther Smith and Rafe Spall in Apple TV+’s Trying was to be truthful about an emotional rollercoaster, yet never lose sight that they were in a comedy. Their approaches were totally different, but they’re more than happy to be likened to a ‘90s comedy couple who decided to adopt.

Smith (TV’s Cuckoo) and Spall (Just Mercy, TV’s The War Of The Worlds) play the thirtysomething couple at the centre of the new comedy series launching Friday, 1 May. The one thing they want is the one thing they can’t have – a baby. So, after ruling out all other options, they decide to adopt. It turns out to be a whole new world, full of confusion and stresses, and the combination of their chaotic lives and dysfunctional families and friends don’t always help. But they do have a fairy godmother in the shape of their eccentric social worker, played by Imelda Staunton.

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Andy Wolton’s script – the writer is himself an adoptee – was part of the series’ big appeal for its two lead actors. Spall tells Yahoo Movies UK that he was also able to bring his experience as a father of three to his role, while Smith talks about being drawn to its warmth and how it opened up the world of the adoption process to a wider audience.

Yahoo Movies UK: The series really balances humour with a sensitive subject. Was the fact that it was a comedy about a serious subject part of the appeal for both of you?

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in <i>Trying</i>. (Apple TV+)
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in Trying. (Apple TV+)

Esther Smith: When I first read the script and auditioned for it, that was the thing that appealed to me about it. I found myself laughing and crying and realised that I never usually do that when I read a script, so that told me it was special. It’s really beautifully written – the tone’s been created perfectly and it’s got that balance, especially as it’s such a sensitive subject.

Rafe Spall: There’s very few subjects that can’t have light shed on them in a humorous way. Humour helps us to deal with all sorts of things – especially at the moment, when we’re sharing funny videos with each other and that kind of thing. We find comedy in the worst situations and it’s a very human way of coping with and understanding things, sort of a coping mechanism.

It doesn’t fight shy of the issues, though. It’s not afraid of them.

RS: I think that what makes it so real. And some of the people involved in the making of the show have hands on experience of being part of the adoption process. And when you’re dealing with something that’s so sensitive it needs to be done properly and you have to deal with the facts.

What sort of research did the both of you do into adoption? Was this new territory for you?

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in <i>Trying</i>. (Apple TV+)
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in Trying. (Apple TV+)

ES: It had never entered my world before this project and I had no idea of the process involved. It made me realise just how hard it is, how long and how gruelling, for people who want to have children but they’re not able to be parents naturally, how many people it takes to tell them they can be good parents, the stress and the trauma and the pain they go through. And obviously the joy if it all goes through. I read a book before we started for background but, really, everything’s there in the writing and the script.

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RS: I’m not a big researcher generally. I don’t find I get a lot out of it, although if there’s something in the script that I need to look into, then I’ll definitely go and investigate it, but my job is to depict a believable character, to show the audience a believable representation of a relationship, so most of what I’m doing is about the human emotions rather than the subject matter. I’d be lying if I said I read any books beforehand, because I didn’t.

Which makes sense, because Nikki and Jason have decided to go in for adoption, but they don’t know that much about it either before they start.

ES: Yes, they’re experiencing the process and people watching it at home are experiencing it and going through it step by step with them and finding out what it’s like and what it’s all about.

What attracted you both to your respective roles?

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in <i>Trying</i>. (Apple TV+)
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in Trying. (Apple TV+)

RS: I just thought it was funny, original, real, the people involved in making the series had great credentials and Andy Wolton, the writer had a really original and immediate voice. And when I auditioned with Esther we immediately had that chemistry and that made me want to do it. That was my favourite part of the whole thing – hanging out and acting with Esther. I loved that.

ES: I’m blushing! (laughs) When I read the script I just knew I had to be part of it. And, like Rafe, when we did the chemistry read it brought something to life that felt very special and I just hope that people watching it feel the same way. It’s a wonderful story and a heart breaking one at times, but one that’s very funny and warm and perfect for right now.

How did you keep that chemistry going on-screen during filming? Did you have a lot of rehearsal time?

Imelda Staunton and Rafe Spall star in <i>Trying</i>. (Apple TV+)
Imelda Staunton and Rafe Spall star in Trying. (Apple TV+)

RS: Not really, no.

ES: We had about one week of rehearsals with the other actors as well, but that was about it. We just really got on. We’re in the majority of it, so if we hadn’t got on, it would have been awful!

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RS: It’s easy, isn’t it? That’s the thing about chemistry, it just works. From my point of view, working with Esther was so easy and when the cameras weren’t rolling, we just had a laugh.

Do either of you have children or experiences with children that you were able to draw on?

Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in <i>Trying</i>. (Apple TV+)
Rafe Spall and Esther Smith star in Trying. (Apple TV+)

RS: Yes, I’ve got three people that I made. They’re aged 9 to 4 so I know all about children!

ES: I don’t have kids, but I really relate to that whole thing of everybody else around you having them. A lot of my friends have kids and I feel very aware of that world and I understand Nikki from that point of view and how she feels.

You’re not the only couple in a comedy series to go in for adoption - do you think of yourselves as the Monica and Chandler of 2020?

ES: (Laughs) I’d never thought of that, but I like it! I’d be happy with that.

RS: Absolutely. And I’d be very happy to be Chandler!

Trying is on Apple TV+ from 1 May.