From 'Black Watch' to 'Slow Horses': Jack Lowden on Sobriety, Sinatra and Spying

Jack Lowden, the 34-year-old Scottish actor, is a rising star with a career spanning stage and screen. Born in England but raised in Scotland, Lowden’s journey began with the Scottish Youth Theatre, leading to his breakout role in the National Theatre of Scotland's 2010 revival of the Olivier-winning *Black Watch*. He later earned an Olivier Award for his portrayal of Oswald in the Almeida’s 2013 production of Ibsen’s *Ghosts*.

Lowden’s film credits include BBC's *War and Peace*, Terence Davies's *Benediction*, and the 2018 film *Mary Queen of Scots*, where he met his now-wife, the four-time Oscar-nominated Irish actress Saoirse Ronan. The pair married in Edinburgh last month, adding another layer to their already successful professional partnership. They recently co-produced a screen adaptation of Amy Liptrot’s memoir, *The Outrun*, a story set in Orkney that explores themes of sobriety. Ronan's performance in the film has garnered early Oscar buzz.

Lowden is no stranger to the limelight himself, with a forthcoming role in James L Brooks's upcoming film *Ella McCay

and an Emmy nomination for his performance in Apple TV's critically acclaimed series *Slow Horses*. He plays the not-so-slow MI5 operative River Cartwright alongside Gary Oldman's gruff spymaster.

Lowden’s recent projects, *The Fifth Step

and *The Outrun*, both deal with themes of alcoholism and sobriety. He explains that his interest in these subjects stems from his observations of Alcoholics Anonymous, noting its power to transform people into captivating storytellers. "It’s all to do with shame," he says, "and for me that’s what the play – forget alcohol – is about: the idea of shame and how we deal with it."

Beyond the stage, Lowden shares a glimpse into his life beyond the spotlight. He recounts his experience at Glastonbury, where he managed to stay sober despite the festival's atmosphere. "I said to the people I went with: ‘I’m gonna have to be quite boring'," he jokes. "But it was a wonderful experience. I cried at Keane."

Lowden also discusses his early admiration for Frank Sinatra, a source of inspiration for his approach to acting. "What I love about Frank Sinatra – and it took me years to work this out – is the same thing I love about acting: it’s rhythm," he explains. "I don’t really look at what the play or film is saying, who it’s speaking to, because I just think that’s so subjective. It will speak to people in different ways. I’ll read a script and if the rhythm is enjoyable, if it feels like music, that’s what really excites me."

He reminisces about his early days in amateur dramatics, a formative experience that helped him overcome his initial reservations about musical theatre. "It’s a weird mix of people. Suddenly, you were stood next to retired teachers, or firemen or whatever, for months of rehearsals," he says, "But I did every musical under the sun and now I look back on it and go: if I didn’t do it with those guys, I probably would have been too scared."

Lowden's foray into film production, particularly with *The Outrun*, highlights his passion for storytelling beyond acting. "We would love to produce more stuff, but we’re taking a beat at the moment, because acting is getting in the way," he shares.

When asked about the challenges of being married to another actor, Lowden says, "Being with an actor is wonderful, because we understand each other. We’re quite odd people, actors. We’re strange animals."

Reflecting on his numerous portrayals of soldiers, Lowden sees it as a reflection of British culture's fascination with World War history. He also reveals his interest in history, citing Christopher Hibbert's *The Rise and Fall of the House of Medici

as his current read. "I normally only read books set in or about the area I am in," he notes.

While born in England, Lowden firmly identifies as Scottish, highlighting his upbringing and his early role in an Irn-Bru commercial. "I consider myself 100% Scottish, for sure," he concludes.

Lowden's versatility and dedication to his craft make him a captivating figure in the world of entertainment. With a promising future ahead, both in acting and production, he continues to explore complex themes and push boundaries with his performances, leaving audiences captivated by his unique talent.

*The Fifth Step

is at the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh from 21-25 August, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival. *The Outrun* is released in UK and Irish cinemas on 27 September.