The Thursday Murder Club debuts on Netflix on August 28 and features an impressive ensemble cast including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan and David Tennant.
Celia Imrie portrays Joyce Meadowcroft, a warm-hearted former nurse who represents the newest member of the Thursday Murder Club following her recent relocation to Cooper’s Chase.
She’s recognised for her compassionate and cheerful personality, with her wardrobe choices and interior design mirroring her gentle character.
During a discussion at the British Library prior to the film’s launch, Celia discussed bringing Joyce to life and revealed one aspect of Joyce’s life was removed from the production.
“I love to play somebody as different to me as I can. But there’s always a big chunk of yourself in whatever you do,” she explained.
“My [Joyce’s] apartment, James Merrifield (set designer) – quite brilliant. I did have a cat at one point but it wouldn’t behave so it was sacked on the spot.
“But I had homemade jam in my larder and my husband’s photograph, little things like that were great to have.”
It seems a feline had originally been introduced to help showcase Joyce’s nurturing and generous spirit, but as the creature continued causing disruption, the concept was scrapped.
In another conversation, Celia reflected on portraying Joyce, remarking: “Sir Laurence Olivier always said you’ve got to like the person you’re playing, and I really did.
“Joyce has an innocence about her, she’s unsure of herself, but fun, enthusiastic, and a good sport.
“At the beginning of the film she wants, very much, to be included, and is especially keen to make new friends.”
She revealed the book had a massive impact when it came to her portrayal, as Joyce serves as the narrator and diary keeper in the novel.
“The first book is a constant, lovely reference,” she explained. “I was trying to find little snippets of exactly what Joyce got up to.
“Richard Osman wrote Joyce keeping a diary through her first few days at Coopers Chase.
“Every now and then in the book, I’d find marvellous little details about Joyce’s love of particular television programmes, using her napkin at the lunch table because she thinks it makes her look clever, or putting the chairs out at a meeting because she thinks people will like her better.”
The Thursday Murder Club airs on Netflix on August 28