Words - Tajinder Hayer

Photography - David Reiss

Styling - Emily Tighe

Grooming - Liz Taw

Unveiling the Melancholy Melodies of Social Unrest: Levi Brown Talks About His Role in BBC's This Town

In the realm of period dramas, BBC has undoubtedly carved a niche for itself, capturing the essence of different eras with finesse and authenticity. Now, stepping into the limelight of this revered tradition is This Town, a forthcoming six-part series set in the tumultuous landscape of Birmingham and Coventry in 1981. At the heart of this epic saga is Levi Brown, who takes on the lead role of Dante Williams, in what is a gripping narrative of social tension, cultural revolution, and the redemptive power of music.

In an exclusive interview with The Rakish Gent, Levi Brown offers a glimpse into the world of This Town, shedding light on the complexities of his character, the historical backdrop against which the story unfolds, and the personal journey he embarked on to inhabit the role of Dante Williams.

Describing the essence of This Town, Brown paints a picture of four young individuals disillusioned with the limited prospects presented to them by society. Music emerges as their refuge, a means to transcend their circumstances and pursue dreams of fame and liberation. Set against the backdrop of Thatcherite Britain, a period marked by profound social unrest and economic upheaval, the series captures the palpable sense of disillusionment and paralysis that gripped the nation: “They see music as an escape and they see fame as the only real option to get them out of the circumstances that they are in.”

For Brown, a native of Halesowen, the opportunity to portray Dante in This Town holds a special significance. He says “Filming in familiar locales evokes a sense of nostalgia and ownership”, grounding his performance in a tangible connection to his roots. As he navigates Dante's complex psyche—”a blend of naivety, defiance, and relentless optimism”—Brown draws inspiration from eclectic sources, likening his character to an "alien with human elements," driven by instinct and unyielding belief in his own destiny. Furthermore, I think he has quite a unique perspective on the world which means that he finds it hard to connect with people. In the time in which the show is set, he seems naïve and sheltered. In some senses this is true, but it is not as straightforward as that. He does not want to conform to the ideas that other people have about the way that he should live his life.”

Central to Dante's journey is his deep-seated affinity for music, particularly the ska and two-tone genres that permeated the cultural landscape of the era. Brown's immersion into the role extended beyond mere acting, as he undertook the arduous task of learning to play the guitar and sing—a testament to his dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship.

Reflecting on the symbiotic relationship between music and fashion, Brown emphasizes the role of attire in shaping identity and subculture during the 1980s. In portraying Dante, he eschews contrived aesthetics, opting instead for a raw and unfiltered depiction of a character whose authenticity transcends trends. Music was obviously central to the show and Brown told us “Two-tone and ska music was always about hope, togetherness and working people. Music reflects the time that we live in, and reacts to what is happening. For the show, the music was about optimism and trying to be joyful and exciting. It’s about hope and I think that is why my character of Dante identifies with it so much”.

Transitioning from the vibrant world of This Town to the hallowed halls of Shakespearean drama, Brown delves into the nuances of his stage role as Angus in Macbeth. Here, the demands of classical theater present a stark contrast to the improvisational spirit of contemporary storytelling, yet Brown embraces the challenge with fervor, seeking to imbue each performance with newfound depth and nuance. Describing Angus, Brown says “He is very loyal to his country and its leaders. He is a very law abiding soldier, fresh from the war. His morals lie with whoever is in charge, and he is all about devoted service.”

As he looks towards the future, Brown's horizon appears ripe with promise and potential. With Macbeth drawing to a close, he eagerly anticipates new creative endeavors, including potential collaborations with fellow artists such as Sam Bailey.

Watch This Town on BBC Iplayer now.

Follow Levi Brown on Instagram.