Although still fledgling, Lola Petticrew’s career already has brought about many memorable moments. Having Gillian Anderson scream at them in a pitch-perfect Belfast accent is up there with the best. “What a dream!” says Petticrew now, their own accent thick and melodic. “She smashed it to pieces, it’s so tough and there are some terrible ones out there [ahem Wild Mountain Thyme] but Gillian is phenomenal.”
Of course, no one was surprised to hear Petticrew’s Irish accent. Only last year did the actor make waves (and earn an Ifta award along with a Bafta nod) for their role as an IRA soldier in FX’s adaptation of Patrick Radden Keefe’s nonfiction book Say Nothing. The series was wrenching in its depiction of the Troubles – and Petticrew, completely compelling as the real-life Dolours Price. Their performance was an embodiment of political disillusionment, like watching a flame extinguished in slow motion. The show put Petticrew on the map, adding their name to the growing list of Irish stars to watch.
