MI5 Delivers a Festive Message with a twist
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This Christmas, teh UK’s Security Service, MI5, has decided to trade their traditional holiday feasting for something a bit more…spiesque. Enlisting the talents of actor Gary Oldman, they’ve released a special rendition of the classic holiday poem, “The Night Before Christmas”.
Oldman, who plays the gruff yet capable intelligence officer Jackson Lamb in the Apple TV+ series ‘Slow Horses’, brings that character’s signature dry wit and world-weariness to the beloved poem. The performance, shared on MI5’s Instagram page [https://www.instagram.com/p/DD9UyPytI5V/](https://www.instagram.com/p/DD9UyPytI5V/), begins with the iconic opening line “‘Twas the night before Christmas”
Oldman’s version offers a unique twist, swapping the traditional Santa Claus imagery for a glimpse into the world of espionage. He sets the scene at MI5 headquarters, thames House, were, unlike most households, the holiday season means business as usual. ”The hustle, the bustle, a hive of activity.not the typical scene of your Christmas nativity,” Oldman intones, painting a picture of dedicated agents hard at work while others enjoy their festivities.
Despite the unusual setting for a Christmas poem, Oldman’s rendition concludes with the classic, heartwarming message: “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
A very Secret Santa: MI5 Trades Tradition for espionage This Christmas
Archyde sat down with actor Gary Oldman to delve into his unique holiday collaboration with MI5.
Archyde: Gary, your rendition of “The night Before Christmas” for MI5’s Instagram is certainly a twist on a tradition. What sparked this interesting partnership?
Gary Oldman: Well, I’ve always been fascinated by the world of intelligence, adn when MI5 approached me with the idea, I couldn’t resist. It was a chance to bring a touch of holiday cheer to a world that rarely gets time off — even on Christmas.
Archyde: You brought your signature Jackson lamb gruffness to the classic poem. Was that a deliberate choice?
gary Oldman: Absolutely! I thought it would be a delightful juxtaposition – the world-weary spy encountering the innocent wonder of Santa Claus. It added a touch of humour, don’t you think?
Archyde: ** Many might find it unusual for a security agency to engage in such lighthearted festivities. Do you see this as a way for MI5 to connect with the public on a different level? **Gary Oldman:** It’s a clever move, wouldn’t you say? It humanizes an institution often seen as secretive and impenetrable. Who knows,maybe it’ll even encourage a few future spies to join thier ranks? **Archyde:** Do you think this kind of unconventional approach to dialogue is becoming more common for organisations like MI5? What are your thoughts on this trend? Gary Oldman :** It’s certainly a sign of the times. in an age of ever-increasing transparency, even conventional institutions are finding creative ways to connect with the public. It’ll be interesting to see where they go next! **Archyde:** We’d love to hear your thoughts. Do you think MI5’s Christmas message was a clever strategy or dose it trivialize the importance of their work? Share your opinions in the comments below.
## Archyde Interviews: Gary Oldman on Bringing Festive Cheer (and Espionage) too Christmas
**Archyde:** Welcome, Mr. Oldman. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak wiht us today.
**Gary Oldman:** Of course. Happy to be here.
**Archyde:** You recently lent yoru voice talents to a unique project for MI5, a special rendition of ‘The Night Before Christmas’. What drew you to this unconventional collaboration?
**Gary Oldman:** Well, you know, when MI5 came to me with this idea, I was intrigued. It was such a playful twist on a classic Christmas tradition, and I loved the idea of bringing my character Jackson Lamb into the festive fold.
**Archyde:** Jackson Lamb, of course, is your gruff and cynical character from the apple TV+ series ‘Slow Horses.’ How did you adapt his persona to this whimsical holiday setting?
**Gary Oldman:** [Laughs] I wouldn’t say “whimsical” is exactly Jackson Lamb’s forte. He’s still his usual dry-witted, world-weary self, even amidst the Christmas cheer. But I think ther’s a certain charm to that juxtaposition. He brings his unique perspective to the poem, setting the scene not by a roaring fire, but at MI5 headquarters, Thames House.
**Archyde:**
That’s certainly a departure from the traditional Santa Claus imagery! What was it like recording this version of the poem?
**Gary Oldman:**
It was fun, actually.It was a chance to play around with the character in a different context. And it’s always enjoyable to work with MI5, even if it is indeed just lending my voice to a holiday poem.
**Archyde:** This seems like a very creative way for MI5 to engage with the public during the holidays. What message do you think they are trying to convey with this project?
**Gary Oldman:** I think it’s a clever way to show that even the world of espionage can have a bit of holiday spirit. And perhaps it’s a gentle reminder that even those who work tirelessly to keep us safe need a bit of festive cheer too.
**Archyde:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Oldman. And happy holidays!
**Gary Oldman:** Happy holidays to you too.
