Nicola Coughlan has been observed on the set of Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of Tales of the Unexpected, marking her first appearance in the production. The actress was photographed in Manchester on Monday, filming scenes for the anthology series. She was joined by Arthur Hughes, who will portray her on-screen husband in the segment based on Roald Dahl’s iconic short story, “Lamb to the Slaughter.” Coughlan was seen sporting a prosthetic baby bump, a key element for her character, Mary Maloney.
Roald Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter” Reimagined
The Netflix series draws from Roald Dahl’s 1979 collection of short stories, known for their surprising twists. Coughlan’s contribution will retell the chilling narrative of “Lamb to the Slaughter,” originally published in 1953. In the story, Mary Maloney is a devoted housewife eagerly awaiting her husband Patrick’s return from his work as a police detective. However, the plot takes a dark turn when it’s implied Patrick intends to divorce Mary. In a moment of rage, she fatally attacks him, subsequently attempting to conceal her crime.
During the filming in Manchester, Coughlan was photographed outside what appeared to be a police station. She was dressed in a thick knit cardigan over a seemingly simple outfit, and was notably make-up free. Arthur Hughes, playing the detective husband Patrick, was also present. The setting outside the police station is contextually relevant, given the victim’s profession.
Historical Adaptations and Netflix’s Dahl Universe
The short story “Lamb to the Slaughter” was previously adapted for the original Tales of the Unexpected television series in 1979 by Robin Chapman. That version starred Susan George as Mary Maloney and Brian Blessed as the investigating detective. Netflix acquired the Roald Dahl Story Company in 2021, signaling a significant expansion of their content based on the beloved author’s works. Since the acquisition, the streaming giant has released an animated adaptation of “The Twits” and is preparing for the theatrical release of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”
Coughlan’s Busy Schedule: From London to Manchester
This role in Tales of the Unexpected comes shortly after Coughlan began filming a guest appearance in the popular Hulu series Only Murders in the Building. Earlier this year, she was seen on the London set of that show, alongside co-stars Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short. Her involvement in Only Murders‘ new season adds to a star-studded cast that includes David Tennant, Jodie Whittaker, and Jim Broadbent, among others.
Coughlan shared her excitement about joining the cast of Only Murders in the Building on Instagram, humorously describing the role as “the nicest summer job I’ve ever had.” The filming for Only Murders‘ sixth season marks a shift, as it will be the first season to be shot outside of the United States, with principal photography commencing in the UK in May.
The scenes for Only Murders in the Building reportedly recreated a courtroom setting, where Coughlan’s character was seen attempting to conceal her identity by wearing a scarf. Freemasons’ Hall in London, a historic landmark serving as the headquarters for English Freemasonry, was utilized as a filming location. The production faced a poignant moment when Martin Short returned to work following the tragic death of his daughter, Katherine, in May.
Conclusion
Nicola Coughlan’s appearance on the set of Netflix’s Tales of the Unexpected highlights her continued engagement with diverse and high-profile projects. Her role as Mary Maloney in the “Lamb to the Slaughter” adaptation showcases her versatility, while her concurrent work on Only Murders in the Building underscores her growing presence in the television landscape. The Netflix series promises to bring Dahl’s classic tales to a new generation with contemporary interpretations.
