Secrets, Sorcery, and Silas: Sam Howard-Sneyd Unveils the Mystique of 'Domino Day'

Embark on a journey into the enigmatic world of "Domino Day" as we unravel the complexities of the character Silas played by the talented Sam Howard-Sneyd. In this captivating interview, Sam provides us with a glimpse into the magical intersection of witchcraft and 21st-century dating, where relationships, power, and identity take centre stage.

Get ready to explore the spellbinding themes of the show and witness the gripping drama that unfolds through Silas, a character shrouded in mystery and driven by a quest for power. Join us as we delve into the mind of Sam Howard-Sneyd and the transformative narrative of "Domino Day."

Interview with Sam Howard-Sneyd (Silas)

Can you give us an overview of Domino Day?

I’d describe it as the world of witchcraft meets the 21st century in the world of dating. So it's the problems that people can relate to maybe not in a magical sense, but in a metaphorical sense, and navigating that world of magic with the tricky task of navigating the 21st century as well.

What kind of show is Domino Day and what makes it unique?

What I love about the show is that it's led by these relationships and by the drama between the different people. It definitely has magic in it but I think it’s less for the sake of magic but more to show the relationships and to provide some tension and some drama to give you a window into people's true character and the way they have to change throughout the show and the way their relationships changed.

What are the show’s key themes?

I think identity is a really big part of it. Power and our relationship with power. As well as what we choose as the important things in life. Also this idea of change. Whether we should be going with change or fighting against it. I believe change is the only constant that we have and some characters choose to fight against that and try keep things as is, whereas other characters try and move with it, and I think that's very interesting.

What was your first impression when you read the script?

I loved it. I haven't read many screenplays where I've been continuously reading episode after episode. I remember sitting in my room, reading episode one and each time I finished the script, it was like I ran to the next tab to open it up to start reading the next episode. I wanted to just skip the intro and go straight into reading the next one.

Can you tell us more about Silas?

He has never really had a relationship with his father. His father went away when he was much younger so he definitely lacked that father figure/male role model in his life and from that I don't think he made particularly good choices in terms of how he believes a man should be. His relationship was only with his mother and it was a very frosty relationship at that. He never really had that level of intimacy and closeness with his mum that he did, briefly, with his father. Silas had to try to find his own way in life and he went the wrong way. He took the wrong turns and became obsessed with power and influence instead of connection and love.

What's his development like through the show?

It's sad because I think at the beginning of the show you really do see why Domino and Silas are together and why they work and why there's that chemistry. He does have moments where he's kind to her and shows her things about being a witch. But his issue is that she's more powerful than him and he can never truly deal with that. He sort of vicariously feeds off being near that power, but it also reminds him of his insecurities and his lack of power.

What did you enjoy about playing Silas?

"Enjoy" is tricky because he's not a very nice guy so there are times I have to say and do things that aren't very nice, which is tricky to enjoy. But the world can be quite a bad place, filled with some pretty bad people and I think if you want to actually be able to change people's perspectives, you want to act like a mirror to the world. So through Silas I hope I can show what it's like to make those decisions and if people see some of themselves, detached like that, in my actions on screen and judge me, then hopefully it can break them out of their negative patterns of behaviour.

What kind of relationships does Silas have with other characters in the series?

The only other relationship that is really explored is the one with his mother. It's really interesting, because most of the time, for reasons that you'll see, she has power over me. But there are a couple of scenes where the writing is fantastic and I'm the one who has the power and we get to see the shift of an established relationship. Silas is suddenly able to realise he can get one over on her and start to dictate where things are going.

What about your relationship with Domino?

It's a swampy relationship that's not particularly healthy but I do think there is genuine love there. They both love each other but the form their love takes is not particularly healthy. Silas projects quite a lot onto Domino, but she's quite innocent in the relationship.

What would you like audiences to take away from the series?

Maybe more of an understanding on your perception of strength and weakness. For example, something you perceive as a weakness, can actually be your greatest strength. And also to just re-evaluate your relationship with your internal life and ask yourself are things really that bad? Or is this thing really that great?

Can you describe your character in one sentence?

A misguided, middle class f*ck boy who struggles to come to terms with the actual important things in life.

As we bid farewell to Sam Howard-Sneyd, we extend our gratitude for offering us a glimpse into the dark and compelling world of "Domino Day." Silas, a character shaped by complex relationships and internal struggles, becomes a mirror reflecting the intricacies of human behaviour.

In the spirit of self-reflection, Sam leaves us with a powerful message about perceptions of strength and weakness, urging audiences to reevaluate their relationship with their internal lives. "Domino Day" promises to be a gripping exploration of love, power, and transformation, with Sam's portrayal of Silas adding a layer of depth to a series that challenges our understanding of magic and reality.

Prepare to be enchanted as "Domino Day" unfolds on Wednesday, January 31, at 9 pm on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer, inviting audiences into a world where the supernatural meets the complexities of the human soul.