Caroline Menton: ‘Marian Keyes Is An Irish Icon’

If you’ve been loving How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, there’s another moreish Irish drama to binge this weekend – and it’s giving the sisterhood of Derry Girls with a lot more grit. Based on the beloved series of novels by Marian Keyes and already a hit in Ireland where it aired last year, The Walsh Sisters introduces us to five sisters – Anna, Rachel, Claire, Helen and Maggie – all on a different twisting and turning journey as they navigate their 20s and 30s.

Adapted for the screen by Stefanie Preissner (who also stars as Maggie), each sister is the centre of (at least) one of Marian’s novels published in the ‘90s, ‘00s, ‘10s and even the ‘20s. But in this six-part first series (our fingers are crossed for more!), the action has been re-set in the present, with two sisters coming to the fore: Anna, played by Derry Girls star Louisa Harland, and Rachel, played by Caroline Menton, who we sat down with to get the inside scoop.

Caroline Menton: ‘It is a big responsibility to portray Rachel Walsh who is such a beloved character.’
Photography: David Reiss
Styling: Anna Stapleton
HMU: Sian Duke

Q&A: Caroline Menton On The Walsh Sisters

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

Hello. Life is very good at the moment. I am currently working in The Abbey theatre, Dublin performing Una McKevitt’s Fair Deal and I am having a blast. The Walsh Sisters airs in the UK on 21 Feb, so life could be worse!

The Walsh Sisters is finally making its way to British screens following its Irish premiere last year. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the show? 

The show focuses on the Walsh family, a typical dysfunctional Irish family trying to navigate the different obstacles of life. It specifically focuses on the relationships between the sisters and how they relate to each other and engage in each other’s challenges and personal struggles.

Are you a Marian Keyes fan?

Yes! She is an Irish icon. I have older sisters and they are huge Keyes fans, so I grew up with her books in my house. 

Caroline Menton: ‘I didn’t want to let the Marian Keyes fans down and only hope I fulfil their expectations.’ (The Walsh Sisters, BBC)

Have you read the books the series is based on? 

Yes! I had read Rachel’s Holiday (1997) before this opportunity presented itself. When I got the part, I read it again meticulously. I also read Anybody Out There? (2006) and Again, Rachel (2022).

How did it feel when you got the role? 

I was absolutely elated, but also slightly terrified. It is a big responsibility to portray Rachel Walsh who is such a beloved character. I didn’t want to let the Marian Keyes fans down and only hope I fulfil their expectations.

How would you describe Rachel, and what was it like playing her? 

I love her so much. Rachel, like all of us, is a flawed human being. But she lets her flaws  dictate the relationship she has with herself. Hence where her suffering lies. Despite her addiction, she is vibrant, unapologetic and has a great sense of humour. She was so much fun to play. I feel so protective over her, like she’s my little sister.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role? 

Yes, I did a lot of research into addiction. I spoke to a psychologist who specialises in the area and I also had the privilege of speaking to someone who was in treatment. It was very important to get as much insight as possible to give the most respectful and understood portrayal of someone who is struggling with substance abuse.

Caroline Menton: ‘We just had the best craic.’ (The Walsh Sisters, BBC)

How did you go about developing your chemistry as five sisters?

We were lucky and had rehearsals a week before filming. We just had the best craic chatting and discussing our character dynamics. It really cemented the chemistry and deepened the relationships on and off screen.

How did you get into character on set? 

Costume and makeup really helped transform me into Rachel – I didn’t recognise myself some days! The hair and makeup department were incredible; it was so collaborative bringing her to life.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming? 

The girls and I arranged an ice cream truck to come to set one day to thank everyone for all their hard work, and that was a really fun day on set. The joy ice cream can bring is wonderful!

Caroline Menton: ‘It was very important to give the most respectful and understood portrayal of someone who is struggling with substance abuse.’ (The Walsh Sisters, BBC)

Any other roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!) 

TBC…

What’s your dream role? 

Hedda Gabler.

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

Comedy.

Which actor have you learned the most from in the past? 

Louisa Harland truly taught me so much as an actor… She is amazing! 

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

Anything Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne are associated with. 

Do you get to spend much time at home? What do you like to do there? 

Yes, when I’m not working. I love just reconnecting with everyone and spending quality time with friends and family.  

What’s your interior design style? 

Minimalist with pops of colour. Lots of plants and good lighting.  

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives? 

You just do. It’s important to carve out time for your personal self because ironically it only enhances your work and makes it richer.  

How can we all live a little bit better? 

Put the devices down. 

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally? 

I wish I could say!

Caroline Menton: ‘Louisa Harland truly taught me so much as an actor.’
Photography: David Reiss
Styling: Anna Stapleton
HMU: Sian Duke

What Caroline Menton Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… True Detective 

What I’m reading… Evenings and Weekends by Oisin McKenna 

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Slow Horses 

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Wuthering Heights 

Favourite film of all time… Amélie (2001)

Favourite song of all time… ‘Norrland’ by Gidge 

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Fontaines D.C.

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Rogues London 

Cultural guilty pleasure… Married at First Sight

Caroline Menton stars in The Walsh Sisters, kicking off Saturday evening at 9.15pm on BBC One.

All six episodes of The Walsh Sisters will land on BBC iPlayer at 6am on Saturday 21 February.

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