Shauna Macdonald: Summerwater Is Like Scottish The White Lotus

An intriguing new drama aired on Channel 4 last week, dropping Scottish holidaymakers in a remote cabin park, where simmering disagreements escalate into a devastating climax. Based on Sarah Moss’ bestselling novel of the same name, we caught up with Shauna Macdonald (who stars as Rachel) to get the inside scoop on the series.

First look at Summerwater, starring (Channel 4)

Q&A: Shauna Macdonald On Summerwater

Hi Shauna, how’s life going at the moment?

Life is pretty good. I’m feeling great. I’m at a point in my life where my work is inspiring, my family is wonderful but not exhausting. My children are getting older so it’s no less difficult, but it’s not as physically draining as it used to be. I’m really in a place in my life where I’m loving when there’s no drama and just seeing the magic in the small things.

You can currently be seen in Summerwater on Channel 4. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

Summerwater is like The White Lotus but set in a Scottish log cabin holiday resort, where we look at five different inhabitants and peel back the surface layer of each person to find what’s underneath. It’s about fear of strangers, fear of the unknown, and what happens on holiday when everything you’ve been suppressing comes out.

Can you remember how you felt when you first read the script?

The script is amazing. It’s adapted from the book Summerwater by Sarah Moss. I read the book first and wondered how they could adapt something with so much subtlety. But the script delves deeply into each character and shows how their lives intertwine, and how everyone is flawed.

Tell me about your character — how would you describe her?

I play Rachel Henderson, a mum of two teenagers at a point where things with her husband aren’t great. They’re still together but have had difficulties, including money issues. She feels the stress of teenagers who don’t need her anymore and is lost. She’s full of love in what can seem like a loveless home, fighting to be seen while doing the graft to keep everyone fed, clothed, and happy.

How did you get into character, and did you do anything specific to prepare?

Rachel is the same age as me, from Edinburgh like me, with teenagers like I have. I’ve been with my partner for 21 years, and Jamie Sives, who plays Ian, has been a friend for 20 years. I’m mouthier than Rachel, and she’s kinder and more empathetic, so I leaned into my empathetic side.

Each episode delves deeper into one of the families. What did that mean for the cast dynamic on set?

We mostly stayed in our family units, but in episode six everyone comes together. During breaks, one cabin became our party cabin where we talked and shared stories. My family’s episode is about how teenagers can have double lives you know nothing about, even when you think you’re good parents.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

The penultimate episode involved stunts and impressive filming rigs. Watching every department at work showed how actors are a small part of a huge machine. The locations were stunning – at the bottom of the Highlands and the West Coast – with pure air and unusually good weather.

What’s been your favourite project to date?

Apart from Summerwater, I’d choose The Descent. We just celebrated its 20-year anniversary. It’s about six girls who go caving and realise they’re not alone.

One of your favourite characters to work on?

Carol in Filth. I worked with James McAvoy and Eddie Marsan, directed by Jon S. Baird. I loved working down the lens – something actors are told never to do. It felt like a guilty pleasure addressing the viewer directly.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I learn from all my co-stars. Everyone works differently. I love working with people who respect each other’s methods and keep things light between takes, because the job requires endurance and long hours around other people.

What’s your dream role?

Something exploring vulnerability, ferocity, and complexity – a fully rounded person, not defined as ‘a woman’ or ‘a mother’.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Comedy. I did The Scots and Hold the Sunset, working with comedy giants like John Cleese, Alison Steadman, Robert Florence and Iain Connell. Comedy is so much fun and I’d love to do more.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Tilda Swinton and Lynne Ramsay.

How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I spend a lot of time at home. I’m a mum with two dogs and a cat. Our home in Edinburgh by the beach is my haven.

Town or country?

Seaside, if I could choose. But I love the woods – we’re 10 minutes from beautiful woodland walks.

How would you describe your interior design style?

Cosy, colourful, natural, lots of wood. I love greens and auburn tones, and I love textiles, rugs, and curtains.

How do you balance personal and work life?

With kids, you don’t have a choice – they need you, and you need to work. Now that my kids are older, it’s easier. One is even at university now. I don’t know how I managed three kids under six!

How can we all live a little bit better?

Be politically aware but avoid getting absorbed into your phone. Spend time outside, with friends and family, avoid sweating the small stuff, and celebrate the good things in your life.

What Shauna Macdonald Is Loving Right Now

What I’m reading… The Cider House Rules by John Irving

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… The Studio

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Summerwater

Favourite film of all time… Cinema Paradiso

Favourite song of all time… ‘Waterloo Sunset’ by The Kinks

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Red Hot Chili Peppers

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Go to the Outer Hebrides and try to get to HebCelt Festival.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Superstore

Shauna Macdonald stars in Summerwater. All episodes are streaming now on Channel 4.

WATCH