full look. Sandro
shoes. ASOS
Saoirse-Monica Jackson has a way of lighting up the screen with her undeniable talent and infectious energy. Whether you know her as the fiercely funny Erin Quinn from Derry Girls or from her more recent work, Jackson’s career has been a thrilling ride. Her latest project, The Decameron, promises to be another hit, showcasing her versatility and passion for storytelling
Sitting down with Jackson, it’s easy to see why she’s beloved by fans. Her enthusiasm for her work is contagious. Right now, she’s deeply involved in filming a BBC drama, fulfilling a dream she’s held dear, and you can sense the joy it brings her. ‘I feel very grateful,’ she beams, ‘I’ve not quite learned to not wrap up all my purpose with my work. A lot of actors struggle with tying their happiness and purpose to their work, which can be tricky because we’re not always working.’
Jackson’s love for acting goes back to her childhood. She shares fond memories of attending speech therapy sessions and participating in Irish cultural traditions like fèis — a local competition in poems, songs, and dancing. These experiences, she says, were ‘core memories’ that set her on her path. A pivotal moment came when she watched Beaches (1988) with her mother. ‘I loved the part where the character is performing as a child and then grows up to make a career out of it. In my child brain, it made sense. I asked my mom if you could do that for a job, and she said yes,’ she says with a nostalgic smile.
Her breakout role in Derry Girls was nothing short of transformative. Playing Erin Quinn allowed Jackson to explore the highs and lows of teenage life in Northern Ireland, and the show resonated with audiences around the world. ‘It was such a unique opportunity as an actor. It’s a coming-of-age story that’s so funny and creatively vast, from physical comedy to ensemble work with actors of different generations. Telling the story of where I’m from is quite unique,’ she explains, her pride evident.
Moving on from Derry Girls was bittersweet, but it opened new doors, including her role in The Decameron. ‘I watch a lot of TV, and you can often see a pattern where shows try to replicate successful formulas. But when I read the script for The Decameron, it felt so unique, individual, and weird. It’s a period piece set during the Black Plague, yet it sometimes feels like an ’80s camp movie or a ’90s rom-com. It’s a combination of tones and genres, done so cleverly. I couldn’t believe Netflix was making it,’ she says, her excitement palpable.
Although some viewers might remain sceptical about the show, this adaptation of Giovanni Boccaccio’s classic work is a modern reinterpretation of Italian folklore literature that is destined to make even the harshest critics laugh out loud. It’s a televised masterclass on the theatre of the absurd which even Samuel Beckett would’ve enjoyed. Just like in the original work, a group of nobles and their servants take refuge in Villa Santa in the countryside of Florence during the deadly bubonic plague of 1348. However, as they try to wait it out with wasteful banquets and conflicting relationships, the group will have to fight for their survival. ‘It’s a beautiful, honest depiction of people at their worst. When the stakes are high, people always do some funny stuff,’ says Jackson.
The show is indeed aimed at shedding light on the disparity and class struggles in the timely backdrop of a pandemic. Jackson herself was intrigued by its brilliant mix of comedy and period drama elements. ‘It’s very rewarding as an actor to be part of something that pushes boundaries creatively. You feel happy to be part of projects like this because we’re just moving parts in a much bigger vision,’ she explains.
full look. Alberta Ferretti
opposite
dress. PH5
boots. Jimmy Choo
In The Decameron, Jackson plays Misia, the handmaiden to Padrona Pampinea. The role captivated her with its depth and complexity, although the audition process was rather ‘crazy.’ ‘I didn’t really know what I was auditioning for at first. But the character of Misia is strange and interesting. She has a lot of compelling storylines. What excited me most was that I was going to be part of a double act with Zosia Mamet,’ she shares.
Jackson holds Mamet in high regard. ‘She’s a sensational actress with great charisma. She knows who she is, and that confidence in her craft makes her a brilliant actor. We really held each other well, and I felt incredibly supported by her. It was a privilege to share scenes with her,” she says, her admiration shining through.
The character of Misia resonated deeply with Jackson. ‘I reached out to our writer, Kathleen Jordan, to understand why Misia was so important to her. She said she fought hard to ensure Misia didn’t become a one-dimensional character. Misia starts without even questioning whether what she’s doing is right. It’s like a eureka moment that dawns on her near the point where it’s almost too late. It pushes the boundaries of the story arc, blending comedy with intense moments,’ she explains.
The visual aesthetics of The Decameron also stand out which allows both the cast and the viewers to fully immerse in the story. The stunning costumes were crafted by Italian artisans and contributed to making the whole experience feel more authentic. However, the best element of them all is Misia’s Joan-of-Arc-inspired wig. ‘Creatively, I understood the journey, obviously. Egotistically, I had to put that in the back burner. It’s not my hottest look, but she makes it work,’ she says with a laugh.
Jokes aside, the hair choice was historically accurate and made Misia more recognisable. ‘There’s a lot of shots in the show you’ll notice that have Italian tapestry paintings in the background and there’s a lot of people with that haircut, and it really worked for me,’ she explains.
Filming in Italy added another layer of richness to the experience. ‘We filmed in Cinecittà Studios in Rome and spent a lot of time in Viterbo. It was a cuisine and cultural experience, being in Italy for seven months. It was an incredible time,’ she recalls fondly.
Speaking of her future projects, Jackson is currently planning her marriage. She describes it as ‘the most I’ve ever fallen in love,’ and the inspiration behind the roles she’s dreaming of. ‘I’m quite interested in thrillers and I’d love to tell a love story because it’s still fresh to me. Weirdly, I want to do murder and love story, but not together,’ she says laughing.
In The Decameron, Jackson is once again poised to steal hearts and leave a lasting impression. Her journey is a reminder that with passion, dedication, and a bit of Irish charm, anything is possible. And for Jackson, the best is yet to come.
dress. Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini
boots. Christian Louboutin
opposite
full look. Moschino
shoes. Malone Souliers
The Decameron is out now on Netflix.
photography. Bob Foster
fashion. Koulla Sergi
hair. Ken O’Rourke @ C/O Management using Hair by Sam McKnight
make up. Amanda Grossman @ The Only Agency using Dr. Hauschka
digital photography. Matt Trapp
location. JJ Locations
interview. Gennaro Costanzo
