Hotel Portofino Stars Oliver Dench & Lily Frazer Describe the ‘Conflict’ of Their Show the Best They Can

If you’re going to ask Oliver Dench and Lily Frazer to describe their show Hotel Portofino, you may have to ask a few follow-up questions for clarity. The two actors star in the BritBox Original series, which follows a cast of eccentric and enigmatic characters through the halls of an opulent hotel along the Italian Riviera set in the roaring ’20s. SheKnows’ Reshma Gopaldas chatted with the two stars about the British series, challenged them to show off their American accents, and so much more.

Frazer, who plays Claudine Pascal, and Dench (whose great-aunt happens to be Dame Judi Dench), portraying Lucian Ainsworth in the series, confessed they weren’t particularly prepared to recap their show in under a minute. “That was awful,” Frazer admitted, who used her time to blurt out themes of “family drama” and “conflict” in the series. Dench, though, was able to mention a “woman who owns a hotel” along with a painting that plays a key role in the show — what that role is, we’re not even sure the actors could tell you! Watch the full video above for more.

We jest when we say Frazer and Dench struggled to relay what goes on in Hotel Portofino. Luckily, we’re here to fill you in: Set against the backdrop of 1920s Italy, a group of strangers from different parts of the world descend on the titular Hotel Portofino. In the period drama, some are looking for a fresh start after the war, others are scheming their way along the luxurious Italian riviera.

With such an unconventional group assembled in one place, unrequited love and love triangles ensue, a priceless painting catches wandering eyes, and a murder mystery shocks guests and staff alike. We have a feeling that’s more or less what Dench and Frazer were trying to explain when we asked them about the series.

Dench and Frazer also take the “How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star” test — watch on YouTube.

Along with chatting about the decadent new drama, Dench treated us to a wide range of his best American accents. Pulling from different regions throughout the United States, Dench had us craving Olive Garden breadsticks, took us on a motorcycle ride in the south, and even put a new spin on some Lady Gaga lyrics. Don’t believe us? Check out the video for yourself below!

Watch Hotel Portofino on PBS MASTERPIECE Prime Video Channel.