Meet Andrew Agnew as he returns to our screens as the much-loved PC Plum.
Catherine Lawson
Families across the country, particularly those who had young children in the early noughties, will be familiar with the now iconic theme tune to Balamory which first lit up our screens in 2002, amidst an explosion of colours and smiles. It was Scottish storytelling at its best, as vibrant characters in the fictional village led young viewers on a series of adventures to solve mysteries, one clue at a time. Without realising it, children were being quietly educated in the safe confines of an idyllic setting by characters who fired their imaginations and became their friends.
As the cast takes to the screens again, 20 years after the last episode was originally aired, I meet up with Andrew Agnew (PC Plum) whose trademark smile and bubbly personality mirrors the character he plays. He brims with joy as he talks about reuniting with the other original cast members returning to Balamory; Julie Wilson Nimmo who plays Miss Hoolie, Kim Tserkezie who stars as Penny Pocket, and Juliet Cadzow who viewers will remember as Edie McCredie.
“It was a lovely feeling getting back on set together. Many of us have been friends for years, since we first filmed, so when we met up again we just picked up right where we’d left off, and the new characters slotted right in. When we’re filming on location in Mull we’re like a family – we work together, live together, and socialise together. I’m determined to remember everything about it this time, because we can look back now and see just how special it was first time round. We were creating incredible memories back then and we’re creating new ones now.”
Those who remember the original Balamory will be delighted to catch a glimpse of some familiar faces and places from their own early memories: the magic that delighted audiences first time round, is now set to captivate a whole new generation of viewers.
“It has the same heart,” Andrew tells me, as he reflects on what audiences might expect. “Visually it looks great. Cameras have changed in the last two decades, so the pictures and colours are sharper and richer. There are some new songs to sing, and some great new characters to meet too. So much of it will be familiar. Kids love following clues and being one step ahead of the adult characters, and credit here has to go to the writers. I related immediately to the new scripts, and it all fell back into place – it hasn’t aged at all.”
We talk about the challenge of bringing something back to the screens after a 20-year break, new sitting side by side with old, and his enthusiasm shines through. It’s clear as he speaks that the cast and crew are as passionate about the programme as the fans, their collective creativity fuelling what he describes as a “well-oiled machine” both on and off the screen. The wait, he assures me, will be worth it.
Since he was last in the show, Andrew has barely paused for breath, taking on a wide variety of roles which showcase his skills and versatility. It’s staying ahead of the game which has kept him in the work he so enjoys.
“Acting is an industry which can be a feast or a famine, so you need to be able to respond quickly to the opportunities when they come along. That means being prepared for anything. You don’t wait until the opportunity comes along to prepare for it – you prepare for it before it comes along. It’s important to always be ready to perform, even in the quieter spells. Learn a song for no reason so your voice stays strong. Learn a role in a play to keep your brain active whether you play that part or not…”
Andrew, like PC Plum, is well organised in that regard, and attributes much of his success to the structures and systems he puts in place. It’s not unusual for him to have several sets of lines to learn simultaneously, so organising his scripts (and his time) is vital. Much of that organisation happens on the go, and although he loves touring and meeting new people, there are times when he enjoys being closer to home.
“For fifteen years I didn’t have Christmas at home because I was on the road, working all over the country, but being back in the panto in Killie last year meant I could spend Christmas in Glasgow, catching up with friends. I love Kille audiences – they’re a delight. You can get away with a bit more and have some fun on stage. Comedy in Scotland is different – our humour is unique. We love a laugh.”
Given his heavy schedule, and constant juggling with time and roles, I ask Andrew how he manages to stay fresh and energised.
“I love what I do, which helps. What started as a hobby became a way to make a living. When I went to drama school I didn’t do it for the profile – I did it because I wanted to be a working actor, and I’ve achieved that aim. I’m lucky – I’ve been able to tick a lot of boxes. The pleasure I get from my work keeps me energised.”
Even in the rare moments when Andrew gets the chance to relax, he finds himself back in the theatre, enjoying the work of fellow performers.
“It’s inspiring to see others work – it’s how we all stay current and learn from each other. We’re storytellers at heart, and when I go out and find others with that same passion it excites me. When that curtain goes up, whatever side of it I’m on, it’s just magic.”
And that magic is what Andrew brings to his audiences young and old. His joie de vivre lights up the space between us as he speaks of all that he has done; playing Edna in Hairspray, performing in A Play, a Pie and a Pint in the West End of Glasgow, singing hits from Scottish bands in Glasgow Kiss at the Pavillion, and of course starring as our beloved PC Plum. It might be hard work, but the joy Andrew brings to his art spills over in abundance to his audiences. It’s that joy we’ll all be so pleased to see again as he returns to our screens with that charismatic smile which is so undeniably Balamory.
