Mathew Horne On Playing Roy Silver in Agatha Raisin

Following the titular PR woman-turned-detective-sleuth (played by Ashely Jensen) across the English countryside, Agatha Raisin is a thrilling, drama-filled and often hilarious time for viewers. Set in the large(ish) fictional village of Carsley, nestled between the folds of the Cotswold Hills, it seems to audiences that this place isn’t really the stereotypical location of a string of horrific murders. Agatha, along with her hilarious side-kick, Roy Silver (played by Mathew Horne) become so good over the seasons that they open their own licensed private investigator agency. The series, loosely based on the book series of the same name by M.C. Beaton, are geared up to film their fourth season.

With a highly regarded cast-list, the show (able to be streamed on Acorn TV) is full of drama and jokes that’ll want audiences going back for more. A name that shines out on that cast list is Mathew Horne, who plays Agatha’s best mate and fellow detective, Roy.

Horne, born in Nottinghamshire, has always had a unique comedy knack. After successfully receiving a degree in drama from the University of Manchester, Horne first performed at the Edinburgh Festival in 2000. There, he was spotted by award-winning English actress, writer and comedian, Catherine Tate. She had loved seeing his creative flare onstage and comedic timing, so later asked him to perform in her much loved The Catherine Tate Show from 2004 to 2007.

After that, he was spun into the spotlight with his appearances on several well-known BBC shows, such as Gavin & Stacey, Teachers and Bad Education. Since appearing on Gavin & Stacey, he has appeared with (on a number of occasions) its co-creator and comedy-superstar, James Corden.

In 2014, Horne landed the role of Roy Silver, Agatha Raisin’s PA at her old public relations firm before moving to Carsely. Roy is a vivacious urbanite, gilded with a quick-witted and dry humour that resonates through the show. We got to sit down with Mathew to talk about his journey through acting and his character of Roy Silver.

How did you first find acting?

I remember playing Herod in the school nativity – an ironic beginning to my later on professionally playing nice guys! I then, aged nine, began performing comedy sketches that I’d written. I can remember getting laughs and I was hooked.

It was a one way trip from there on in, through school plays and a degree in Drama. I began acting via the rather unorthodox route of stand-up comedy, which I continued to do from 20-25 years old, during which I managed to acquire an agent. As of 1st of August this year, it’ll be 20 years as a professional actor – a dream come true.

What other artists inspire you?

I’m inspired by many artists, not only actors, but directors, musicians, dancers and artists. Too many to mention, but the common denominator of what inspires me is their tenacity in the chaotic, unpredictable swamp of rejection that is the arts.

What inspires you to create?

I’m inspired by a number of things. I make sure to keep a close eye on the world and its characters as research for my acting and writing and just because of an innate curiosity.
Art and music also inspire me – music is in my blood, like a lot of people and it really is my personal therapy.

Describe your character in Agatha Raisin

Roy Silver is an urban, streetwise, yet reluctant sleuth whose loyalty to his friends extends to his love of a drama! His thinly-veiled vulnerability is masked by an acerbic and nonchalant manner. He’s quite highly strung, but with a keen interest in hedonism and the male body.

What would you say is the hardest part of playing Roy?

It’s extremely difficult to pinpoint anything hard about playing such a joyous character as Roy and acting alongside some of my dearest friends and talented colleagues. There’s nothing hard about working in a job you love and have always dreamed of.

How do you think Roy has developed over the seasons?

I think Roy’s remonstrations about the virtues of the countryside have been mediated by his lust for a bit of drama. There’s nothing he likes more than to get involved closely (but not too closely because he’s a pussycat at heart!) with something as dramatic as a murder investigation. And also getting to hang out with his best friend, Agatha.

What can audiences expect in the fourth season?

I can’t say too much, but one thing they can expect is Christmas! Aside from that, more murder, mystery, knockabout tomfoolery, love and laughter. I hope the same warmth, heart and joy of the show continues to resonate with the shows fans old and new.

What does playing Roy give you that earlier roles might not have?

The team behind Agatha Raisin allow me to improvise around the character. We’re quite far down the line in the story of Agatha Raisin, so I like to think I know Roy pretty well. They let me riff around his character. Also, I have a natural and playful chemistry with Ashley so when we’re on set it’s playtime. These elements are not always the case on a job.

What is one character that you would love to play?

It was always Mr Tumnus from The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe – but that’s been done now! So, I think for now, at this moment, I’d say Richard III. Or more broadly speaking, any villain – a modern day Herod!

What do you hold as your biggest achievement as an actor?

I think honestly, just being one and having been one for 20 years is, on reflection, unfathomable to me. I was given a doctorate a couple of years ago, so I’m a Doctor of the Arts now, which is pretty cool too!

What future plans do you have?

I don’t have and never have had any goals, other than to continue doing what I do and being kind. All of this is, and should be, a work in progress!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Listen.

Agatha Raisin is showing now on Acorn TV.