Do British Actors’ Accents Truly Represent the Population?
In the realm of entertainment, the choice of accent for British actors is a topic of much discussion. Accents form a critical part of an actor's craft, and they can significantly impact how a character is perceived. One such iconic example is Diane Morgan, better known as Philamena Cunk from Black Mirror. Initially, the show's creator, Charlie Brooker, wanted Cunk to have a posh accent. However, Diane Morgan opted for her own natural accent, which proved to be a perfect fit for the character.
Professional Range and Casting Considerations
Casting directors have a wide array of accents to choose from when selecting actors for their productions. The Spotlight page of an actor lists the accents they can deliver at a professional standard, allowing casting directors to see their range quickly. For instance, in an adaptation of Wuthering Heights, one actor was cast as Heathcliffe and given a direction to be less "Barnsley" and more "Halifax." His natural voice is RP (Received Pronunciation), similar to David Tennant's portrayal of The Doctor, whose actual voice comes from East Scotland.
The direction given to the actor was to mimic a character with an accent similar to a school friend from Halifax. Another actor, for the show Father Brown, was required to use a generic West Country accent. Recognizing that she was a perfectionist, she went to her voice coach to learn the precise Winchcombe accent and practiced it with her family members who are from there. This showcased the importance of authenticity in regional accents.
Accents in British Television
British television reflects the diverse range of accents found across the country. Actors in Coronation Street often use accents that represent the people who live in the Manchester/Salford area. Many of the actors are locals, and they often use their own voices. However, some of the younger actors might "put on" the accent, resulting in a representation that captures around 5–10% of the population.
A similar phenomenon is observed in EastEnders, where the characters speak with an East London accent, representing around 10% of the population. It is important to note that the Queen and her family speak with their native accents, and RP (Received Pronunciation) is becoming less common as the BBC now employs many presenters with local/regional accents. For example, Steph McGovern has a strong Middlesborough accent.
Authentic Regional Accents in British Media
While Received Pronunciation (RP) is becoming less common, there is a good spread of authentic regional accents on British television. However, not every regional accent is equally represented. For instance, while Geordie accent is recognized, it is not as prevalent as one might think. Similarly, the Mid-Devon accent is less commonly seen.
It's essential to remember that there are thousands of accents and dialects across this small island, and even accents like Geordie can have numerous local variations identifiable only to local speakers. As a linguist from the region, I can attest to this diversity. For example, when referring to Geordie, I am talking about a portmanteau term that encompasses a range of local accents recognizable by local speakers.
These nuances in accents underscore the complexity of regional language representations in British media. Actors and casting directors must navigate this landscape carefully to ensure authenticity and inclusivity in their productions.
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