Interview with Johann Myers who plays Paul

11 October 2022

Why did you want to do Somewhere Boy?

The script was extremely emotionally charged and interesting and different. On a personal level, I play a nice human which, in itself, was appealing: to be calm for a moment, not get my teeth out and have a gnash at someone or play some kind of criminal.

 

Paul has a few minor faults but he's basically a good guy, isn't he?

Yeah. And that's me! I've got a few really minor faults but the rest of me is pretty much perfect… You can't help but like him, because he's doing the right thing on a daily level. He loves his kids, his partner, his partner’s son. He's just doing what you should do when you are a conceding stepfather. I understood this character, I’ve got children and I was young once too, so it was fun to play.

 

Aaron (Samuel Bottomley) and Paul have a tricky relationship, don’t they?

He’s being chivalrous as a man should and is trying to look out for Aaron, but he has two children in the house too – it’s all about doing the right thing and not moaning about it. Behind closed doors, talking to his friends, Paul would probably be fuming with Aaron at times. His relationship with Aaron involves walking on eggshells, yet Aaron doesn't know his arse from his elbow because he’s a teenager. Paul’s playing the game of not being the teacher despite knowing exactly what to teach. He’s got great patience.

 

Have you applied any of Paul's parenting techniques to your own life?

I've got stepchildren. I've got my own children. I was a child with parents who split up quite young. There's lots of Johann in Paul. Maybe I should take a little bit of his patient resilience!

 

Are Sue (Lisa McGrillis) and Paul on the same page when it comes to parenting?

Definitely. There's a level of just getting on with it. Generally it is calm, there is no real fractious element between them. They love each other wholeheartedly, they aren’t a couple that are just tired. They enjoy each other, which is lovely to play – a happy family with problems. Paul takes a little licking every time she wants to give one out, but it's all very comfortable and functional.

 

What does Paul make of Danny (Lewis Gribben)?

He knows of Sue's brother Steve (Rory Keenan), so he already has a bit of an opinion on that. He knows Steve wasn't the easiest of chaps, a little bit strange to say the least, and Paul was there while Sue was going through missing her brother, yet he is forever the optimist and is always there for her. Danny arriving is actually quite exciting for him in a way – Paul needs to have things to do, so he's looking forward to it. Initially, when he meets Danny, I think it feels like a nice bit of gossip, maybe a bonding opportunity for him and Aaron, and a chance to please his wife. But when he first meets Danny, he just thinks: this is strange.

 

What did you make of Danny’s upbringing?

I feel so sorry for him. I know Steve has issues with trauma and mental health, but I couldn't help but think: stop being horrid to this lovely boy. Danny’s dad has this trauma, but he also has moments of clarity where he knows what he's doing and I found that difficult. But when something escalates and an idea of protection gets out of hand, it’s sad, and a reflection on how stupid we can all be at times.

 

What’s next for you?

If this show had room for another series, I would love to be involved with everyone on it – it has left a very sweet taste in my mouth, it’s very emotional and thought provoking. You could imagine a story where we follow Danny and Aaron as they grow. Otherwise, I’ve got some drama in Europe, some drama in England and a movie. Look out for me on terrestrial television and at the cinemas…