Words By Sanj Patel
Photography by Lee Malone // Grooming by Sandra Hahnel
Henry Ashton is flying high. In just the last few months alone, the rising London actor has captivated audiences with his leading roles in the historical fantasy romance My Lady Jane, and the BBC television adaption of Holly Jackson’s best selling book, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
Since graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2022, it is clear during our Zoom call that the 33-year-old up-and-comer has been tirelessly honing his craft. “I’ve always been drawn to troubled, darker characters,” Ashton confesses. “Strangely, I found those roles easier and more accessible for me. However, in my last year at drama school, I played a part in Gloria as a character called Lorin. It was the first time I had taken on a comedic role, and it really opened up a new door for me.”
Growing up in Buckinghamshire, Ashton’s childhood was steeped in a rich world of film. His father, a longtime BBC employee, fueled his love for cinema by sharing a range of classics, turning their viewings into cherished experiences. “He introduced me to a lot of great movies that I probably wouldn't have discovered on my own because they were quite a bit older,” he says, dialing in from his home in the big smoke. Meanwhile, his grandfather, whom Ashton reveals was an art director and production designer, gave him a deep appreciation for filmmaking. “But they’re all on the other side because apparently, I like the attention of being in front of the camera!”.
Fast-forward to 2024 and Ashton's dedicated affair with the camera has continued to define his work. His latest project, My Lady Jane, offers a unique twist on a historical drama set in an alternate universe. Ashton stars as Stan Dudley, a character who appears arrogant and entitled but has a big heart and plenty of loyalty. In A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, the rising star plays Max Hastings, a wealthy and charming young man who hides darker secrets beneath his confident exterior. For his portrayal in the former, Ashton found a natural connection with the character. "I think Stan and I share a lot of similarities in a way," he notes. To bring depth to Stan, Ashton embraced the character's unapologetic nature. Stan's open display of emotions, including his flaws, was both challenging and rewarding.
"The key to Stan is in the way he loves and feels. To bring down all those barriers and be oneself so unashamedly—it’s the aspect of Stan that I love the most."
In contrast, Ashton faced a more intricate challenge in A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. "It was a challenge to figure out why Max would do the things he does," he explains. As a result, Ashton focused on his character’s relationships and upbringing, working to avoid judgment and instead, find justification for his actions. "It was about asking questions about his relationship with his family, his childhood, and how he receives and feels love." It was this particular approach that aimed to present the character as a multifaceted individual rather than merely a villain, adding depth to Ashton’s portrayal.
Still, the on-screen chemistry between Ashton and his co-star Emma Myers was crucial for the success of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. "Max and Pip have a type of chemistry that reveals sides of each other that no one else can," Ashton says.
“As an actor, you're always trying to pull from your personal experiences, like an emotion or memory, to help with a scene. Max just wants to be seen as his own person, which causes him to act in ways that aren’t ideal, but come from a place of wanting to assert himself. I think a lot of people can relate to that.”
Both roles have left Ashton with valuable lessons. For My Lady Jane, Ashton learned the importance of listening and spontaneity, particularly when working with seasoned actors like Rob Brydon. “It was all about listening to your scene partner because when you're acting opposite Rob Brydon, anything can happen!” he smirks. Similarly, when asked about A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Ashton reflects on a standout moment from the beginning of episode five: “There is a moment between Max, Pip, and Naomi that was a real release of energy from all three characters.”
To close, Ashton reflects on his journey with a sense of accomplishment and forward-looking optimism. “Both [shows] have taught me that there is a whole world of genres out there, and I’m not going to pigeonhole myself into any single one,” he reflects. “I just want to continue exploring different things and discovering new worlds of acting that I haven’t yet explored.”
Beyond the acclaim and recognition, he values the genuine connection audiences have with his work.