Text by Morgan Leet
Photographer: David Reiss
Stylist: Krishan Parmar at Carol Hayes Management
Grooming Elvire Roux at Carol Hayes Management using Sisley + hair by Rituels by Sisley
Photography Assistant: Rachel Marques
A charming smile, charismatic voice, and a playful attitude are all trademarks of Edward Bluemel. The rising star is quick-witted, yet unequivocally humble for every opportunity that has come his way. Since graduating from the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama he has established himself in the industry as both an on-screen actor and theatre lead. Equipped with the perfect combination of passion and talent, the British actor has already starred in multiple award-winning series’, including Killing Eve, Sex Education, and A Discovery of Witches.
On A Discovery of Witches Bluemel takes on the character Marcus Whitmore, a 261-year-old vampire who’s a troublemaker at heart with the charm to match. Underneath Marcus’ flippant attitude is a dark and dangerous past that intrigues the audience. The show is an enthralling historical fantasy, filled with magic, drama, and unknowns.
On the opposite end of the genre spectrum is the rebel older brother character, Sean Wiley, that he plays in the Netflix comedy series Sex Education. The show explores the awkward experience of a high school student who has a sex therapist as a mother, making for a hilarious and heartwarming watch.
Most notably, Edward starred as Hugo Tiller, a regular lead in the critically acclaimed series Killing Eve, which also stars Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, and Fiona Shaw. The show has made waves by departing from the traditional male perspective in the spy genre and having two bold female leads, one an assassin and one a British intelligence agent. Hugo works under Sandra Oh’s character, Eve, as a new member of M16. He’s smart, cheeky, and ambitious as he tries to climb his way up in the organization. Although the character isn’t exactly lovable, Bluemel manages to still leave the audience wanting more of him.
With his growing number of roles, Bluemel seems to have an endless supply of energy that gives him a unique spark. This is perhaps thanks, in part, to the fact that he lives in south London with his five friends who also happen to be young actors, so is constantly surrounded by creativity. Whatever it is, it’s clear from his success across genres and mediums that Edward Bluemel is just at the beginning of his journey, and I for one cannot wait to see where it takes him next.
Flanelle: When did you first discover your passion for acting?
Edward : I played the third wise man in a nativity when I was in primary school. He’s the one who brings myrrh so it was up to me to bring a certain level of pathos to the role. Even as a child I remember taking this very seriously. I also loved wearing a fancy costume, so it all went from there really.
Was there a specific moment when you realized your career was taking off?
I feel like it hasn’t quite taken off yet. I’ve been lucky to be in some great shows but I still feel like there’s a long way to go. I’ve got my snacks and I’m onboard, but we haven’t even had the safety announcements yet.
While training at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, which actor or actress were you inspired by most?
There was an actor in my year at drama school called Jacob Ifan, who is also my best friend and housemate. He inspired me then and he still does now.
You are widely known for your on-screen performances, but you also have found success in theatre. Does a screen or stage performance appeal to you more?
I love them both, and I will consider taking any roles in either. One of your most recent roles is Marcus Whitmore in A Discovery of Witches. How is it a unique experience acting in the fantasy genre?
It’s very unique! It’s fun to play parts outside the realms of real-life possibility. It’s great to be able to pretend to be an immortal bloodsucker for a few months and then return to normal as if nothing happened.
Was it challenging to take on the character of Marcus, who is 261 years old?
What was great about the vampires in A Discovery of Witches is that they are masters of disguise. So even though they are immensely old, you would never know because they are so good at covering it up. I think in reality a 261-year-old would probably stay indoors with the lights off and silently pray for death.
Out of all of the characters you have taken on, which has been the one you most relate to?
I related quite well to Hugo from Killing Eve because people also find me posh and annoying in real life.
What was the experience like coming onto Killing Eve, a show that had already gained such widespread popularity in its first season?
It was amazing. To work off of the buzz created by season one was so fun. It was a really exciting set to be on and everyone was full of confidence.
You’ve worked with some amazing women in the industry who are making change. In Killing Eve, for example, they have put female roles at the forefront of the typically male-centric spy genre. What kind of change do you see happening right now, in terms of gender roles on-screen?
I think the first moves have been made but there’s a lot more to do. We need to be able to create a world where opportunities for everyone, not only gender-related, are completely equal. Shows like Killing Eve are a step in the right direction, but the work isn’t finished yet.
What is it like living with your five friends, who are also young actors?
Loud.
With your rise to success, how do you manage to stay grounded on a daily basis?
My family keeps me grounded which is nice. I could win an Oscar and I would still be the annoying little brother.
What is your personal mantra?
If in doubt, have a bath.
What is next for you?
I’m unemployed at the moment so the world is my oyster until I run out of money. Maybe I’ll get into card tricks or something. ■