Ben Radcliffe Injects Absurdity into 'Fackham Hall'

Ben Radcliffe admits that his schedule has been relentless lately. The British actor is currently in Prague, where he is working on a Netflix adaptation of Edith Whartons The Age of Innocence, a project that will keep him in the Czech capital through March. Apart from a short two-week break at the end of the month, his days are packed with filming and preparation, leaving little time for sightseeing or leisure.

Although friends have told him about Pragues famous beer tours and spa experiences, he hasnt had the opportunity to try them. The idea of soaking in a tub supposedly filled with beer intrigues him, even if he suspects the reality is much less literal. Right now, his only non-negotiable outside of work is finding time to stay active and keep up with exercise.

At the same time, Radcliffe is promoting the theatrical release of Fackham Hall, a lavish period romantic comedy with a wildly exaggerated and absurd sense of humor. Rather than being a straightforward parody, he describes the film as an unusual blend of classic British period drama and rapid-fire, over-the-top comedy reminiscent of Airplane. Its humor, he says, is so ridiculous that it somehow becomes brilliant.

Radcliffe was immediately drawn to the project after reading the script, calling it exactly the kind of comedy he loves. In the film, he plays a small-time pickpocket who unexpectedly secures a job at a grand English country estate in the 1930s. There, he becomes fascinated by a young upper-class woman who is soon to be married to her first cousin. Alongside the twisted romance, a murder mystery unfolds, adding another layer to the chaos.

To make the comedy work, the actors had to approach every scene with complete sincerity, no matter how ridiculous the situation. While bizarre events occur in the background, he and his co-star deliver intense and earnest love scenes, treating every line as if it were part of a serious drama. According to Radcliffe, this commitment to realism is what makes the comedy land so effectively.

Costume also played an essential role in helping him understand and embody each character he portrays. In Fackham Hall, the refined yet restrictive fashion of the English upper class adds to his sense of being an outsider in an unfamiliar world. In The Age of Innocence, the stiff, high collars and formal clothing of the late 19th century alter his posture and movement, subtly influencing his performance and mindset in each scene.

Beyond film and television, Radcliffe has also collaborated with fashion brands, including a recent campaign that humorously referenced the atmosphere of The White Lotus. His acting career began when he was just a child, landing his first movie role at the age of 12. After a brief break to concentrate on his education, he returned to acting while studying at a performing arts-focused boarding school, where constant practice helped him develop greater confidence.

Over the years, he has steadily strengthened his belief in his own abilities, acknowledging that performing in front of others requires an immense amount of self-assurance. Each new project, he feels, brings him closer to unlocking his full potential as an actor. Recent roles have included appearances in Anatomy of a Scandal and The Witcher, and he is also preparing for an upcoming horror film titled The Face of Horror.

As for The Age of Innocence, he remains tight-lipped about the details, teasing only that the character he portrays is complex and emotionally demanding. The challenge, however, is exactly what excites him most. Reflecting on his career so far, Radcliffe says he feels fortunate not only for the opportunities he has received, but for the way they have arrived at just the right moments in his life.

For now, he is focused on continuing the momentum and hopes that this streak of good fortune will last. If it does, audiences can expect to see much more of his range from outrageous comedy to intense drama in the years ahead.

Author: Riley Thompson