Behind the Scenes of Lynley: Sophia Barkley on Her Character, Collaboration, and Bringing Authenticity to the Screen
In our recent conversation with actor Sophia Barkley, she opened up about her experience working on the BritBox series Lynley. From first impressions of her character to the collaborative spirit on set, Barkley offered thoughtful insights into the creative process behind the show.
When viewers first meet Barkley’s character, she’s being reprimanded by her boss for calling out her partner’s amateurish behavior. It’s a bold introduction that sets the tone immediately. For Barkley, that opening scene became a springboard: “I felt like it gave such a clear sense of who she is, and everything that’s instilled in her,” she explained. “It was a gift to start from such a strong point of view.”
Barkley shared that elements of the role resonated deeply with her own life, allowing her to bring personal experiences into the character. She described the process as both challenging and rewarding using those emotions to ground her performance in authenticity.
Reflecting on the ensemble cast, Barkley praised the sense of trust and camaraderie that developed during filming: “When you’re surrounded by talented people who want to lift each other up, it changes the whole atmosphere. You feel braver in the choices you make.”
While the series introduces her character with a sharp and uncompromising edge, Barkley hinted at deeper dimensions that unfold as the story progresses. She emphasized the importance of portraying not just strength, but also vulnerability and complexity.
As audiences continue to discover Lynley on BritBox, Barkley hopes they’ll connect with the humanity at the heart of the show. “It’s not just about crime-solving,” she said, “it’s about relationships, resilience, and how we navigate the grey areas in life.”
Q&A on the BritBox series Lynley with actor Sofia Barclay. Moderated by Mara Webster, In Creative Company.
DI Thomas Lynley and DS Barbara Havers form an unlikely police detective duo. Their contrasting backgrounds create tension, but they unite to solve crimes, navigating class and gender issues.
