Tom Cullen on Playing LGBTQ+ Roles: 'Representation Matters'

Welsh actor Tom Cullen stated that he does not take the opportunity to play a gay character lightly, emphasizing the importance of representation in film. Speaking at the screening of his mystery-thriller "Black Church Bay" at the Iris Prize Festival, Cullen, known for his roles in "Downton Abbey" and "House of the Dragon," shared his perspective on portraying LGBTQ+ characters.

"What is wonderful is I feel like people can often pigeonhole queer cinema, and those two films show the spectrum and diversity that can be found," Cullen said, referencing "Black Church Bay" and his 2011 role in the romantic drama "Weekend." The Iris Prize Festival, a seven-day event celebrating LGBTQ+ stories from around the world and marking its 20th anniversary, partnered with BAFTA Cymru for this year's festival.

Cullen approached his character Barry in "Black Church Bay" with the same methodology he would any other role. "They are characters that you have to empathise with and understand. And fundamentally my job is empathy," he explained. "I remember doing Weekend and a big part of my research was interviewing and talking to my gay friends, talking about their experiences and trying to fully understand - but that's just research, which you should do for any character."

The script for "Black Church Bay" was a key draw for Cullen due to its challenging nature. "The script was extraordinary and something that isn't usually made in the UK. It's so dark," he noted.

"Black Church Bay" was filmed in Anglesey, with writer and director Rhys Marc Jones inspired by the specific Welsh locations. "The whole film was written with those locations in mind. I always wanted my debut film in Wales," Jones said. His partner, Paix Robinson, added that Wales holds personal significance for them, having been married and spent holidays there.

Jones described the film as a "fantasy that becomes a nightmare," seeking a location that could transition from idyllic to unforgiving. Anglesey, he found, possessed both stunning beauty and a foreboding quality.

Cullen, who had not previously filmed on Anglesey but had vacationed in North Wales, expressed his pleasure in seeing Wales showcased in the film. He juggled filming "Black Church Bay" with "House of the Dragon," requiring him to travel to London for weekend shoots.

Joe Locke, who stars alongside Cullen and is known for his role in Netflix's "Heartstopper," also commented on filming in Wales. While not his first time in the country, it was his first experience on Anglesey. Locke noted similarities between the Isle of Man, his home, and Anglesey, particularly the small-town atmosphere, though he pointed out the prevalence of the Welsh language. He also humorously recalled the early closing times of shops on Anglesey leading to late-night Pot Noodle dinners.

Cullen and his partner, Alison Sudol, are fans of Locke, with Cullen describing him as "an absolute joy to work with" and that he and Locke "had each other's backs" during filming.