Reel Beach: Murdoch Mysteries’ Shanice Banton in conversation with Beach Metro Community News

By BERNIE FLETCHER

Scarborough has given us so many creative artists, including Mike Myers, the Weeknd, Stephan James, Gloria Reuben, Eric McCormack, Domee Shi, Robbie Robertson, Gerry Dee, just to name a few. Who doesn’t love the Barenaked Ladies? Love Scarborough!

Shanice Banton sees dead people as the strong-willed coroner Violet Hart on Murdoch Mysteries. Shanice was kind enough to support Beach Metro Community News at our December gala (our Holiday Fundraiser with Inspector Brackenreid) where we viewed the Christmas show of the long-running CBC series.

She was joined by Thomas Craig (who plays Inspector Brackenreid), Gail Harvey and Katie Boland who directed the holiday episode. A big thank you to our panel at the Balmy Beach Club.

Here’s Shanice in her own words via a recent e-mail interview with me:

BF: So many talented people have come from Scarborough. As a kid growing up did you dream of becoming a performer?

SB: Woo Scarborough! Growing up I always dreamed of becoming a performer. I knew what I wanted to make of myself from a very early age. I had a passion for music and singing. I still do, it’s my first love.

Although the acting love came a bit later, I did some small plays and musicals in grade school and always felt right at home up there. I had an innate drive to use my talent in some avenue, in any way.

I’m so grateful for how things have turned out in the last while in my life and in my career. And, well, the rest is still unfolding.

BF: How did you get started in acting?

SB: I went to Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts where I trained in not only acting but vocals and dance. In my last year of high school I signed with an acting agency.

BF: You were wonderful as Ruth, the wife of Jesse Owens (Stephan James) in Race (2016). What was that experience like?

SB: Thank you! It was one of my favourite work experiences as an actor. My first feature film! I got to work in Montreal alongside some incredibly wonderful artists. Truly a special project in my heart.

BF: With fans around the world, what is the secret sauce for such a long-running show as Murdoch Mysteries?

SB: Yannick! Ha ha, no. But besides our wonderful lead, cast and crew, costume and makeup department who do an absolute delightful job, there’s the knowledge learned through our episodes, about important times in history, being set in Canada, Toronto.

BF: In real life would you make a good coroner or a nightclub owner (which sounds like more fun)?

SB: I think I would make a better coroner. That loud night life several times a week would drain me! I’m also not afraid of blood so that helps, ahah!

BF: When you first started out, did you have a back-up plan? Tom Craig was a plumber in England.

SB: No back-up plan!

BF: You play a fascinating character. Violet has been through a lot. Is she fun to play even with all her troubles? She seems to be softening lately through her friendship with Watts.

SB: Violet is very fun to play because she is so complex and unpredictable…or maybe she is?

BF: Do the costumes and sets help you get into character?

SB: Costumes definitely help!

BF: I asked Tom Craig if his kids were interested in show business and he replied, “No, thank God! It’s a tough business…you don’t have any control over your life.” What do you think? Is there no business like show business?

SB: I agree with my mate here, it is extremely tough.

I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to guide your child through this industry…but the saying does stand! Only because it is very unique, most careers aren’t linear, neither is life, but acting and this industry specifically truly feels like squiggled doodles at times. It’s not for everyone.

Thank you Shanice Banton! I am left wondering what squiggled doodles look like!