By Sarah O’mahony

Copyright independent

Writer Steven Knight said he focused on “facts” and real personalities while writing the uniquely Irish story, which follows the events that unfold after the death of brewery mogul, Benjamin Guinness.

In particular it focuses on Arthur Guinness, played by Anthony Boyle, Edward Guinness, played by Louis Partridge, Anne Guinness, played by Emily Fairn, Ben Guinness, played by Fionn O’Shea, and other Dubliners affected by one of the most famous Irish families.

Knight, who created and wrote the show, explained how he approached the show in which characters grapple Irishness while attempting to join high society.

He told the Irish Independent: “I tried to where possible get hold of facts where I could. And research around the history of stuff.

“But I am a big believer in real human beings when they are characterised in history books they are defined by what they are meant to believe. And I think people believe one thing when they wake up and believe another thing when they go to bed.”

He added: “With the brothers they are always trying to represent a particular attitude.

“But as human beings they saw what was really going on and responded to that. The way they were as employers, I don’t think it was just strategy, I think they tried to be good.”

Anthony Boyle, who grew up in west Belfast plays one of the most infamous of the siblings, Arthur Guinness, a man who casts aside his Irish identity, at least while moving amongst the aristocracy.

Boyle said: “I loved it, getting to say ‘Oh you Fenians’, it was actually funny to be on the other side of it.”

This is yet another period drama for Boyle, who has played the character John Wilkes Booth in the series Manhunt.

“I go wherever the work is, people tell me I have a face that can’t comprehend the internet so that’s why I keep getting this work.”

Meanwhile, actor Hilda Fay told the Irish Independent of a personal family connection to the Guinness family.

Fay, who portrays Sultan in the show said: “My grandfather collapsed in the tenements in 1913 and it really highlighted to me the plight of the poor and the conditions they were living in.

“My grandfather got a job in Guinness and the Guinness family gave rights and pensions and raised Dublin up and we all love the Guinness family for that reason.

“I’m just delighted I have a part in this show, it’s a full circle moment for me,” she added.

All eight episodes of the show drop on Netflix on September 25.