In this interview, actress Anjli Monhindra (The Sarah Jane Adventures, Bodyguard) tells all about her role as Tara Lohia in Mark Gatiss’ new standalone drama The Dead Room.
The Dead Room also stars Simon Callow (Four Weddings and a Funeral, A Room With A View), as well as Susan Penhaligon and Joshua Oakes-Rogers, and will air on BBC Four on Christmas Eve at 10pm.
The Dead Room is set against the backdrop of a long-running radio horror series. Its veteran presenter and national treasure, Aubrey Judd (Simon Callow) has been telling classic ghost stories forever. But times are changing and the audience’s tastes are shifting. Plus, there’s a new young producer who wants to move away from the current format. Aubrey soon discovers that all is not well in the eerie radio studio as elements of his own past are not as dead and buried as he perhaps hoped.
Describe Tara… where do we meet her in The Dead Room?
Tara Lohia is a very ambitious Radio Producer. She’s worked her way up the ranks and is proud of where she is, but when we meet her she’s on a tight deadline to deliver a new and exciting ghost story. She really needs the narrator, Aubrey Judd, to crack on – but he has other plans in mind.
How did you find working at Maida Vale?
Maida Vale is a gorgeous building. Entering the studio we filmed in was like stepping back in time – I heard the decor has been untouched since the building opened – it is very atmospheric.
Have you worked in radio before?
I have worked in radio before, and really enjoyed it. What I love about The Dead Room, is that Mark [Gatiss] has captured the energy of a radio recording company perfectly. The idle tea chatter and the brilliance of foley – that’s the task of making all the noises – you’ll see!
Have you worked with Mark or any of the cast before?
I was delighted to work with Mark Gatiss for the first time – he’s wonderful. And Simon [Callow], Susan [Penhaligon] and Josh [Oakes-Rogers] too – we had a lot of fun.
Do you believe in ghosts? Have you ever had a ghostly encounter?
I want to say I’m A-Ghostic – I’m open to the idea of encountering one, but haven’t as yet – someone once said believing you’ll see one is like opening the gateway to the likelihood of encountering one! Bring it on, you ghouls…
What are you looking forward to this Christmas?
I love board games. And cheese. I feel incredibly fortunate to say that Christmas at my family home is basically a fest of both of these.
What can viewers expect from The Dead Room this Christmas?
Viewers can expect to be taken on a very eerie ride. You’re safe when recording a ghost story- the ‘ghosts’ are being taken care of in the story-within-the-story, right?… Hmm.. Buckle up!
The Dead Room airs on BBC Four at 10:00pm on Christmas Eve.
Don’t forget to read BlogtorWho‘s spoiler-free preview of The Dead Room!
Set and fllmed at the legendary BBC Maida Vale Studios, The Dead Room tells the story of a long-running radio horror series and its veteran presenter and national treasure Aubrey Judd. But times are changing. Tastes are shifting. There’s a new young producer. Whatever happened to the classic ghost stories? The good old days? Aubrey soon discovers that all is not quiet in the eerie radio studio and that elements of his own past are not as dead and buried as he perhaps hoped.
The Dead Room, a chilling new ghost story written and directed by Mark Gatiss featuring Simon Callow, Anjli Mohindra, Susan Penhaligon and Joshua Oakes-Rogers.
