Shakespeare & Hathaway series 5 episode 2 guest cast including homespun comedian
Dan Seddon | 11:13am Wed 1 Oct | Updated 3:36pm Wed 1 OctShakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators series 5 continues with episode 2 and the guest cast are an eclectic bunch… Guest stars include actors from Ackley Bridge, Beyond Paradise, and House of the Dragon.
In The Heavenly Harness’d Team, Luella Shakespeare (Jo Joyner), Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton) and their sidekick Sebastian Brudenell (Patrick Walshe McBride) are thrust undercover into a team-building exercise to sniff out a corporate spy.
In the latest episode, manufacturer CEO Rick Young has no doubt that his head of design Jacques Du Bois is trying to pull a fast one with a new contract. He hires Lu and Frank, hoping the private investigators can catch him redhanded.
When Rick is fatally electrocuted though, Frank discovers that it was no accident. Was the killer ‘surly and agitated’ head of manufacturing Sly Forrester. Or could it have been the ‘put-upon’ secretary Aleena Oliver? Maybe even Jacques himself? Let’s take a look at who plays who in the cast of Shakespeare & Hathaway series 5 episode 2.
Shakespeare & Hathaway series 5 episode 2 guest cast: Nick Helm stars as Rick Young
Arguably better known around the stand-up comedy circuit, Nick Helm has the role of unfortunate business boss Rick.
He’s a regular on the 8 Out of 10 Cats panel, having appeared eight times in Dictionary Corner for the Countdown crossover specials. Nick’s first TV credit came via Russell Howard’s Good News in 2010.
The star’s bullish humour transferred over nicely to the BBC Three sitcom, Uncle, which ran for three series and saw him play Andy King.
Nick Mohammed and David Schwimmer’s Intelligence welcomed him onto the show for an episode in 2021, as did EastEnders just last year (as Ostrich Man).
Drunk History (2016), Roast Battle (2018) and Question Team (2021) were further TV vehicles for Nick to express his funny side as himself.
Who plays Roz Shepherd?
As Roz Shepherd, the “well-meaning” woman in charge of the remote team-building centre, we have actress Poppy Lee Friar.
Despite only just entering her 30’s, the actress has already amassed quite an impressive CV.
For 13 episodes, Poppy was a match for Jeremy Piven as Rosalie Selfridge in ITV’s period drama Mr Selfridge.
TV viewers will also recognise her for her roles in The Syndicate, Inspector George Gently, A Touch of Frost, and the creepy 2017 film My Cousin Rachel.
The part of Missy Booth in Channel 4’s Ackley Bridge is where she really established herself though.
Nimmi Harasgama will appear opposite Jo Joyner and Mark Benton in the cosy crime drama (Credit: BBC Studios)
Who plays Aleena Oliver in Shakespeare & Hathaway episode 2 cast
Originally from Sri Lanka, Shakespeare & Hathaway newcomer Nimmi Harasgama has gradually made a name for herself overseas.
Her screen debut came back in 1997 in the TV film Mother Teresa, which was directed by The Land That Time Forgot’s Kevin Connor.
Nimmi’s since played three different characters in the BBC soap Doctors, including Linda Sahota for two episodes.
The Good Karma Hospital fans might remember her as Mari Rodriguez. She also played DI Alice Benton in Netflix‘s Requiem.
Simeon Oakes plays another murder suspect in this episode (Credit: BBC Studios)
Who plays Jacques Du Bois?
Simeon Oakes stars as Jacques Du Bois in the cast. The actor’s biggest job to date was in The Fear Index.
The Fear Index adapted a rollocking good read from author Robert Harris and boasted Josh Hartnett as its lead.
Simeon’s work is predominantly in the short film discipline, when he began his acting journey 14 years ago.
Shakespeare & Hathaway episode 2 cast: Who plays Sly Forrester?
Last but not least, Edward Rowe steps into the shoes of Shakespeare & Hathaway’s Sly Forrester, the suspicious head of manufacturing.
The actor is perhaps best known for appearing in the fantasy genre. In Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, Edward was cast as Ser Howland Sharp.
For Netflix’s The Witcher, he brought to life King Henselt of Kaedwen.
Although it’s a video game credit, big kudos goes to him for voicing various characters in Elden Ring too. Other shows he’s appeared in include Strike, Beyond Paradise, and Alex Rider on Prime Video.
Read more: The Guest on BBC One cast led by Welsh actresses Eve Myles and Gabrielle Creevy
