What Slow Horses Can Teach You About Great Acting
From the very first episode of Apple TV’s Slow Horses, it’s clear this isn’t your typical spy thriller. Gritty, funny, layered, and packed with character work, the series stands out not just for its gripping plot — but for the brilliant acting behind every twist.
Whether it's Gary Oldman’s grumpy, slouching Jackson Lamb or the tightly wound ambition of Jack Lowden’s River Cartwright, Slow Horses is a masterclass in subtle, grounded screen performance. If you're looking for acting classes in Glasgow, there’s a lot to learn from the way this series is performed — and how the cast elevates every scene.
What Makes the Acting in Slow Horses So Good?
🎭 Complex characters, simply played
Each actor resists overdoing it. The performances are subtle — even messy — which makes them feel real. This is exactly the kind of acting that resonates on screen.
🎬 Stillness and silence
So much of the tension comes from quiet stares, long pauses, or what’s not said. At Southside, we teach you to embrace those moments and make them powerful.
🎯 Physical specificity
Watch how Jackson Lamb slumps into a chair or how River carries tension in his shoulders — every movement is a choice. That level of detail is what transforms good acting into great acting.
🧠 Character-driven storytelling
No one is a stereotype. Everyone has motives, backstories, flaws, and secrets — and the actors show this through their choices, not exposition.
Want to Train Like a Slow Horse? Start in Glasgow.
At Southside Performance Studio, we don’t just teach lines and scenes — we train complete actors. If you’ve been searching for “acting classes Glasgow”, this is where your screen-ready performance begins.
Our training covers:
🎥 Screen acting technique
🎭 Character development and depth
🗣 Voice, breath, and emotional access
🎬 Movement for camera and character
📚 Scene study from high-quality material
📱 Self-taping and audition prep
👉 Check out our current classes
What You Can Apply From Slow Horses in Class
1. Be bold in your stillness
You don’t need to overact to be powerful. We help actors learn to trust themselves in stillness — just like Oldman’s Lamb.
2. Character is physical
The way a person sits, walks, or drinks their coffee reveals story. Our movement training teaches you how to make these choices on purpose.
3. Scene stakes matter
Whether it’s a high-pressure interrogation or a pub chat, every Slow Horses scene has emotional stakes. In class, we’ll help you unlock what’s really going on in each moment.
4. Don’t chase perfection — chase truth
The best acting isn’t polished. It’s alive. We’ll guide you to act with honesty, instinct, and presence.
Why Glasgow Actors Are Choosing Southside Performance Studio
📍 Located in Glasgow’s Southside
🎬 Small class sizes and personal coaching
🎭 Suitable for beginners to professionals
🎤 Voice, movement, text, and screen work
💡 A creative, inclusive space for real growth
You Don’t Need MI5 Clearance to Be a Brilliant Actor
The actors in Slow Horses didn’t just show up and “wing it” — they trained, refined their craft, and made smart, human choices. That’s exactly what we help you do at Southside Performance Studio.
Whether you’re new to acting, returning after time away, or prepping for your next big audition — we’re here to help you build confidence, craft, and camera-readiness.
🎭 Learn to act with intention.
🎬 Perform with quiet power.
📍 And start right here in Glasgow.