Exclusive: Pippa Bennett-Warner On Playing Shannon Dumani In AMC’s Gangs Of London

Now playing on AMC is the Gangs Of London, the critically acclaimed British series that stars a multi-talented ensemble cast including Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Pure, Black Mirror), Sopé Dirisu (Humans), Colm Meaney (Star Trek, Hell on Wheels, Layer Cake), Lucian Msamati (His Dark Materials, Black Earth Rising, Kiri), Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones, Suits),  Paapa Essiedu (Press, Kiri) and Pippa Bennett-Warner (MotherFatherSon, Harlots, Sick Note).

Set in the heart of one of the world’s most dynamic and multicultural cities, Gangs of London tells the story of a city being torn apart by the turbulent power struggles of the international gangs that control it and the sudden power vacuum that’s created when the head of London’s most powerful crime family is assassinated.

For 20 years, Finn Wallace (Meaney) was the most powerful criminal in London. Billions of pounds flowed through his organization each year. But now he’s dead – and nobody knows who ordered the hit. With rivals everywhere, it’s up to the impulsive Sean Wallace (Cole), with the help of the Dumani family headed by Ed Dumani (Msamati), to take his father’s place. If the situation wasn’t already dangerous enough, Sean’s assumption of power causes ripples in the world of international crime. Perhaps the one man who might be able to help him and be his ally is Elliot Finch (Dirisu), who up until now, has been one of life’s losers, a lowlife chancer with a mysterious interest in the Wallace family. But as the wind of fate blows, Elliot finds himself transported to the inner workings of the largest criminal organization in London. But it doesn’t end with the Wallaces; there are larger powers at play.

For Pippa Bennett-Warner, who is best known on TV for the British series Harlots and MotherFatherSon as well as her stage performances in The Lion King, Ruined, King Lear and Richard II, audiences get to see her in a series that will have her mixed in with some ultra violent scenes. As Shannon Dumani, whose family is heavily involved in criminal activities, Pippa’s role calls for Shannon to be alert at all times or risk her and her son’s lives.

In speaking with BlackFilmandTV.com’s Wilson Morales, Bennett-Warner talks about her role in the series and what makes Shannon an key player in the Dumani family.