TV Director's Sacrifice to Document Miriam Margolyes' Unpredictable Life
When television director Simon Draper embarked on a mission to create a podcast with the iconic Miriam Margolyes, he anticipated a straightforward creative project. Instead, he found himself on a whirlwind journey that led him to sell his cherished guitar collection and travel across the globe, all documented in the new BBC film Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me.
An Unexpected Collaboration
In 2024, Draper, known for his work on shows like Rob & Rylan's Grand Tour, faced a lull in his career. Seeking a meaningful endeavour, he reached out to Margolyes, a former collaborator from the 2016 documentary The Real Marigold on Tour. The 84-year-old actress, celebrated for her roles in Harry Potter and her candid storytelling, agreed to the podcast idea, inviting Draper into her home to film the process.
The project was pitched as Margolyes' "final act," but it quickly became apparent that her frenetic lifestyle would pose significant challenges. After completing just one episode, Margolyes announced she was heading to Australia for an extended tour, threatening to derail Draper's documentary ambitions.
A Drastic Decision
Determined not to let his film suffer, Draper made a bold move: he sold his valuable guitar collection to fund a trip to Australia. Upon arrival, he discovered that working on the podcast was far from straightforward. Instead of recording sessions, Draper found himself acting as Margolyes' personal assistant, performing tasks like helping with her shoes or fetching her specific coffee order—a decaf almond milk cappuccino, extra hot.
"She has the amazing power to draw the people-pleaser out of everyone, including me," Draper remarked in the documentary, as he hung her underwear on a hotel balcony. Despite the frustrations, he witnessed pivotal moments in Margolyes' career, including sell-out shows at the Sydney Opera House and her lucrative Cameo requests, which have earned her over £320,000.
A Deepening Friendship
The documentary reveals that their relationship evolved into something more profound than a professional collaboration. In one poignant scene, Draper accompanies a concerned Margolyes to a hospital appointment for a spinal injection. "I'm not chipper this morning, but I will be," she tells him, visibly grateful for his support.
Draper was deeply affected by Margolyes' authenticity, describing her honesty and bluntness as qualities that "seem to make people feel alive." He returned home without his guitar collection but enriched by an experience that reshaped his perspective on life and creativity.
Reflections on the Journey
Speaking about the film, Draper shared: "I thought getting Miriam Margolyes to make a podcast would be easy, after all, everyone's doing them, but Miriam's lifestyle is bonkers. In two years, we made just five episodes, but hanging out with her was life-changing. Mim's a woman with strong opinions and a weak bladder, and I feel lucky to have been able to capture all the chaos and sparkle of the bravest, most honest person I know."
Miriam Margolyes Made Me Me is now available on BBC iPlayer, offering viewers an intimate look at this unconventional and heartfelt story.
