Say Nothing Star Lola Petticrew on the History and Heartache Behind the New Series
Lola Petticrew shares, “We have a great sense of humor, but like many talented comedians, it likely stems from our experiences of hardship.”
The amusing characters being referred to are the residents of West Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland where Petticrew grew up. This is brought to life in the new series *Say Nothing*, which is currently available for streaming on Hulu. The show highlights their unique sense of humor—what Petticrew calls "gallows humor"—while also addressing the trauma they have experienced.
Say Nothing draws inspiration from Patrick Radden Keefe's popular book published in 2018, which explores the real events surrounding the Troubles—a 30-year conflict that reached a tense resolution in 1998, often referred to as “a cold peace.” The story focuses particularly on the case of Jean McConville, a woman who went missing during this tumultuous period. It revolves around the experiences of two sisters, Dolours and Marian Price (played by Petticrew and Hazel Doupe), who become involved with the Irish Republican Army. As they navigate their roles in this sectarian struggle, they also grapple with the changes happening in their community.
Lola Petticrew plays the lead role of Dolours Price in the new series Say Nothing. Dolours is a young woman living in Belfast who gets drawn into the IRA during the tumultuous period known as the Troubles.
"I'm from West Belfast, so this story is deeply connected to my background and the people in my life; it's a part of my own history," shares Petticrew, known for her roles in projects like Dating Amber and Tuesday. "I would say I was familiar with the themes, but 'familiar' doesn't quite capture it—it's part of my very being. This history is so fresh, and it influences everything about my hometown."
Petticrew had some doubts at first about sharing this story. "When I initially went through the scripts, I found them amazing," they share. "Then I read Patrick's book and was taken aback by how deeply it affected me, even though I was already familiar with the background and he's an American author. Often, you feel like other people's interpretations miss the mark, but Patrick's writing is outstanding. I was so moved that I ended up having to leave the coffee shop because I couldn't stop crying."
Rather than perceiving the book as an outsider's perspective on topics Petticrew was already familiar with, the actor shared, "What struck me most were the questions raised at the end—it felt like they mirrored my own concerns as someone who grew up there, still resides there, and hopes to build a future there. Instantly, I knew I wanted to be part of this."
Lola Petticrew and Hazel Doupe portray the roles of sisters Dolours and Marian Price in the new series Say Nothing, which is currently available for streaming.
Viewers should share this sentiment. Petticrew’s Dolours is the core of the series—Maxine Peake portrays an older version of the character—and we become immersed in the intricate struggle alongside Dolours and Marion, who evolve from hopeful activists to seasoned fighters. A talented supporting cast, featuring Josh Finan as Gerry Adams and Anthony Boyle as Brendan Hughes, among others, reinforces the feeling that the characters we’re following are passionate individuals engaged in their most significant fight.
"I was familiar with Anthony Boyle and Lola, and I think they're among the finest talents out there," explains director and executive producer Michael Lennox. "Both of them hail from West Belfast, so they understand this environment deeply. While others could have taken on the roles, the authenticity and depth they bring from their own experiences are irreplaceable; you simply can't replicate that."
For Petticrew, being truthful involves openly talking about the Troubles and those who went missing during that time.
Lola Petticrew portrays Dolours Price in the film *Say Nothing.*
“I find it really terrifying to have this come to light because I feel a strong obligation to handle it correctly,” they express. “I want to pay homage to my roots and to the people from my community. I have a deep love for Belfast, especially West Belfast, which is why I still live there. However, there are significant issues that weigh heavily on us, and I hoped to contribute to a dialogue that promotes healing. I genuinely believe the show can facilitate that, but the process of healing is daunting and complicated; it's not straightforward.”
Petticrew is noticing this trend becoming more apparent as well. His upcoming project, a series titled "Trespasses," may present a different narrative, yet it is also set in Ireland during the Troubles.
"It's strange that I'm currently filming Trespasses because I picked up the book right when I started working on Say Nothing," they mention. "A few months later, I learned about the audition. When I read the script, I didn't even know they were adapting it into anything. It wasn't that I was specifically looking to be part of another project about the Troubles; I just really admired the book. Even though both stories share similar themes, they are quite distinct from each other."
Additionally, Petticrew points out that there are multiple narratives to be explored from that era and location. "When I hear someone say, 'Oh, you're working on another Troubles project?' I can’t help but think, [Hollywood] churns out seven World War II movies each year and no one bats an eye. It's great to see such a strong interest in Irish stories. Honestly, I believe we owe a lot of that to Derry Girls."
Petticrew is eager to explore new projects set in various times and locations. They humorously note, “Maybe I’ve been dealing with trauma for a while now, and it would be refreshing to work on a buddy comedy next.” However, they acknowledge that “Say Nothing” is a significant milestone in their career. “This is a unique experience,” Petticrew says regarding the series. “I doubt I’ll ever land a role like this again.”
Adam Rathe serves as the Deputy Features Director at Town & Country, where he writes about various topics including film, theater, literature, travel, art, and philanthropy, among others.
