Connie Chats with Outlander’s Tobias Menzies

Tobias Menzies has the plum job of playing two roles on Starz’ new hit series, Outlander. In the series, based on the books of Diana Gabaldon, Menzies plays Frank Randall, husband to Claire in the 1940s. He also plays the deliciously treacherous Black Jack Randall in the 18th century, ancestor of Frank and nemesis of Claire. Menzies took a few moments out of his busy schedule to chat with me.

What can we expect in this second half of the first season?

We start by going directly back to the moment we departed the show. So we go back to a slightly complicated moment between Jack, Jamie and Claire.

The second half is an equally big canvas. Lots to look forward to. Really great stuff. My main involvement is Jack’s stuff with Jamie… toward the end – their main confrontation. It’s dark. It will certainly be uncomfortable viewing.

Who do you enjoy playing more: Jack or Frank? Do you find similarities between the two characters?

They say variety is the spice of life. I find that true playing these two. One of things that we’ve gotten more and more confident with is having moments of similarity and moments of contrast and playing that line.

Do you prep differently when you’re going to play Jack vs. Frank or does dressing the part put you in character?

Yes, I do prepare differently. I think the main difference is the way about modern man and the pre-modern man and trying to imagine myself into those different mindsets. The costuming, setting, all of that production helps place me in time.

Your character on Game of Thrones, Edmure Tully, was spared in the Red Wedding – will we be seeing more of you on GoT?

Not that I know of. I certainly have not shot anything more. At the moment, he’s still languishing in a prison cell somewhere.

With Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, and Outlander, you’ve pretty much covered the sci-fi/fantasy realm. Is there a role you’d like to portray that you haven’t yet?

Good question. I don’t think the show ever played in America, but there was a famous bandit, a highwayman, in England, called Dick Turpin. When I was a kid there was a show about the adventures of this highwayman. I remember being obsessed by him. So I wouldn’t mind having a go at Dick Turpin.

Did you ever dress up as him when you were a kid?

I’m sure I did. I’m sure I held up numerous imaginary carriages and drew guns for damsels for their honor in duels.

If you weren’t playing Jack/Frank, who on Outlander would you want to play?

Don’t tell of the other actors, but I’ve already got the best few characters. Keep that under your hat.

What about Game of Thrones?

Doesn’t everyone want to be Peter Dinklage? I think so. It’s one of those great, great characters on the page.

Upcoming projects?

I was in a short play called The Fever. I did a show called Catastrophe that will be on Amazon Prime in America. I will be going back to Scotland to do a second season of Outlander.

Coffee/tea?

Coffee.

Book you’re reading right now?

I’m reading a remarkable series of books called My Struggle by Karl Ove Knausgaard. I’m on the third one.

Favorite band/song?

It might have to be Neil Young, “Old Man.”

Favorite pastime/hobby?

Tennis. Playing tennis. I spent most of my childhood on a tennis court. It was my grand passion.

If the way to the heart is through the stomach, what go-to meal would you cook for a romantic dinner?

Oooh… I think it might have to be just a very delicious, very classic Italian type of dish – a carbonara. When I was working on Rome in Rome the main lesson I learned from eating out there is they have very little amounts of sauce – amazing sauce – but they use small quantities, an amazing bottle of wine, and a salad.

What’s your favorite meal?

That, I think. I’m a bit of a rabbit. I love an amazing salad.

Favorite TV show?

Probably my favorite all time is The Wire. It’s a great piece of storytelling in recent times. I’m watching Wolf Hall. I’ve heard tell and have meant to catch up on Transparent.

The second half of Season 1 of Outlander returns to Starz on April 4th. Paleyfest will host an Outlander panel with Menzies, Catriona Balfe and Sam Heughan on Thursday, March 12th at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Tickets are available at paleyfest.org.

http://youtu.be/-mLkHzoC6SY