James Norton Perfects Dublin Accent for House of Guinness Role

James Norton, the English actor known for his roles in “Happy Valley” and “Little Women,” has dedicated significant effort to mastering the Dublin accent for his portrayal of Sean Rafferty in the upcoming series, House of Guinness. The show, premiering on October 5, 2023, on Netflix, is produced by the creators of “Peaky Blinders” and explores the impact of the death of Benjamin Guinness, head of the Guinness family, in the 1800s.

Set against the backdrop of Dublin and New York, the series features a talented cast that includes Irish actors such as Fionn O’Shea, Anthony Boyle, and Jack Gleeson, who gained fame in “Game of Thrones.” Norton’s character, Rafferty, is the foreman at the Guinness brewery, and the actor recognized the importance of getting the accent right. Speaking to the PA news agency, he remarked, “I worked hard. I was aware that many actors have gotten it wrong, and the Irish are a proud bunch so if you get it wrong, you hear about it.”

Exploring Irish History Through Acting

Norton described his experience filming House of Guinness as a “massive revelation,” particularly in understanding the significant influence the Guinness family had on Dublin’s architecture and social welfare. He noted, “I hadn’t realised the influence the Guinness family had on Dublin’s architecture, or the extent of their welfare and philanthropic efforts, like the pensions and support they provided, which are portrayed in the show.”

The series not only highlights the family’s contributions to the city but also their pioneering role as one of the first multinational drinks companies, dominating the North American market during their time. Norton expressed enthusiasm for delving into this rich history, stating, “It was both eye-opening and an incredibly thrilling journey to delve into all of that.”

Celebrating Irish Culture on a Global Stage

The show promises to examine the far-reaching consequences of Benjamin Guinness’s death on his four children and the Dublin community intertwined with the Guinness empire. Anthony Boyle portrays the eldest son, who is set to inherit the brewery. He shared that his character, who identifies as gay, was inspired by the renowned Irish playwright Oscar Wilde. Boyle emphasized the importance of showcasing Irish culture, expressing pride in the series’ music selection, featuring artists like Kneecap and Fontaines DC.

Creator Steven Knight noted that integrating Irish culture into the series came naturally, highlighting the abundance of talent within the country. He expressed surprise that no one had previously tackled the Guinness family story, describing it as “dynamite.”

As the series approaches its launch, viewers can anticipate a rich narrative that intertwines personal and historical themes, showcasing the legacy of a family that has left an indelible mark on both Dublin and the global beverage industry.