Jessica Gunning channels her inner Martha, reveals preparation for 'Baby Reindeer'

Jessica Gunning, who portrays Martha in Netflix's 'Baby Reindeer,' shares insights into her preparation for the role.

Jessica Gunning, the actress behind the character of Martha in the Netflix hit mini-series "Baby Reindeer," offered a glimpse into her preparation for the role and her deep admiration for the show's creator, Richard Gadd, during a recent Q&A session in NYC. 

Gunning revealed that she was already a fan of Gadd's comedy before joining the project and even attempted to get tickets for the stage show of "Baby Reindeer." Unable to secure tickets, she resorted to a "Martha-like" move and bought the stage play, which she admits to reading daily.

Gunning further expressed her admiration for Gadd's writing, recalling a scene from the script that she practised for her audition. The scene, which describes a rather unusual desire to "zip him open and snuggle away inside him," was perceived by Gunning as a romantic gesture, much to the amusement of the audience.

The inspiration for "Baby Reindeer" stems from real events in Gadd's life, and he plays a fictionalised version of himself in the series. However, the show has sparked controversy as a woman claiming to be the real-life Martha, Fiona Harvey, publicly disputed the show's portrayal of events. 

Despite the controversy, Gadd urges viewers not to speculate about the identities of the real-life people behind the show. 

Gunning's insights into her preparation for the role of Martha offer a fascinating look at the complexities of portraying a character inspired by real events. Her dedication to understanding Martha's motivations and her appreciation for Gadd's writing shine through, making her performance all the more captivating.