By Paul Salfen, Christine Thompson for AMFM Magazine
In the hilarious new comedy Preschool (now available on digital platforms via Paramount Movies), two determined dads go to outrageous lengths to secure the last spot at an ultra-posh London preschool for their daughters. Directed by and starring Josh Duhamel as Alan Williams, the film also features Michael Socha as rival dad Brian Young, Antonia Thomas as Sarah, and Charity Wakefield as Lauren, Alan’s wife. With supporting roles from Fenella Woolgar and James Cosmo, the story spirals into big-hearted laughs, escalating one-upmanship, and surprising revelations about what parents will do for their kids—and what true parenting really means.
In an exclusive interview with Paul Salfen for AMFM Magazine, British actress Charity Wakefield opened up about her experience on the set, the film’s blend of comedy and genuine emotion, and her advice for aspiring actors. Wakefield plays Lauren, the grounded counterpart to Duhamel’s ambitious Alan, bringing warmth and relatability to the chaotic rivalry.
The production was a joy from the start, Wakefield shared. “It was really, really fun,” she recalled. Duhamel, in his directorial debut, fostered a relaxed, improvisational atmosphere. “Josh was so chilled out about the way that he directed. He wanted us to be free to improvise.” This approach paid off immediately in the film’s opening paddle scene (a quirky tennis-like game with short rackets), which the cast learned and improvised on the spot. “We were kind of learning it as we went along… It was a job not to be laughing, mostly to be honest with you.”
Wakefield praised the collaborative spirit, noting how Duhamel’s background as an actor encouraged freedom on set. “Michael is a known improviser… from the first scene, we had to kind of improvise that.” She appreciated how the editor kept authentic moments, including bloopers and off-script bumbling. “There’s moments where we just crack up and they just can’t escape it… They got to leave it in there, which I really like.”
The film’s humor stems from relatable imperfections. “The main thing about watching these two couples is like, they’re funny because of the situation, but also they’re quite real. And then they’ve got faults. None of them are perfect. And they say silly things.”
As a mother herself (to a four-year-old at the time of filming), Wakefield connected deeply with the emotional core. Scenes where Lauren expresses missing her daughter Gracie hit close to home. “I definitely was thinking about my son going to school and how much I’ll miss being with him all the time.” She joked about the absurdity of elite preschools: “She’s like doing the parachute jumping stuff in the basement… There’s a lot you can put your kids into, that’s for sure.”
Reflecting on the film’s themes, Wakefield highlighted the heartfelt side amid the madness. “There are moments that are quite heartfelt for me.”
When asked for advice for those pursuing acting, Wakefield emphasized formal training while acknowledging the rise of online content creators. “I went to drama school, so I recommend going to drama school if you can… It lets you practice when no one’s watching.” She admired young creators making their own sketches and films but cautioned about potential pitfalls like getting “stuck in a certain way of being” or the commercial pressures. Training, she said, prepares actors for the industry’s realities—auditions, rejections, diverse projects—and helps them explore directions freely.
On set, the fast-paced comedy required a specific mindset. “You had to just be ready to go for it… Be okay with not being prepared.” Preparation focused on deep character work, then staying present: “Be completely free in the moment to react to whatever somebody else is doing.”
Wakefield had high praise for Duhamel, both as director and co-star. “Josh was fantastic to work with… He allows himself to be funny. Like, he allows himself to look silly on film.” She valued his generosity in letting the cast develop their roles, including her contributions to fleshing out Lauren through writing with approval from the writer and producers. “I will always be so grateful to Josh for that.”
Preschool delivers a fun, relatable take on parental competition with plenty of laughs and heart. As Wakefield summed up the experience: “I couldn’t have been happier to be working on this film last year.” Catch it now on digital and see the chaos unfold for yourself!
About Paul Salfen: Paul Salfen is a Dallas-based TV host, producer, editor, writer, and consultant who currently holds the positions of co-host of Drew Pearson Live on KTXD (London Broadcasting), co-host of The ANE Show on iHeartMedia, and producer/writer for AMFM Magazine.
About Christine Thompson: Christine Thompson is the Founder/Editor-In-Chief, Writer and Video Editor of AMFM Magazine and AMFM Studios LLC.
