Of course, the play is set in World War One. What do you think contemporary audiences can take from this production?
You know, we are living in interesting times. There’s a lot going on in the world, and I think that sometimes we may forget about our own and other people’s humanity. It’s a really good reminder of humanity, of empathy, of caring for others, about love, about hope. I think these are kind of timeless subjects, really. Whether it’s in the First World War or the Second World War, or now, are still really relevant. I think this show is even more relevant now than it has been in the past. If we look at the political climate, and what’s going on in the world right now, I think it’s really, really pertinent.
Am I correct you lived in Nottingham? What has it been like returning here to perform?
I did, indeed. I studied at University of Nottingham, so I lived there for three years. Really, really interested to go back to my Uni city. It’s been a while. I’m hoping to get the chance, if we have time, to take a little trip down memory lane, go onto campus and see how that’s changed. Yeah, I had a really happy time at Nottingham. Even though I studied languages, that was where I started really being quite passionate about drama.
The Nottingham New Theatre was really pivotal in me becoming an actor. There was such a great community in Nottingham New Theatre in terms of actors, writers, directors. My first show was West Side Story, and I just had a lot of great fun. So, it was around there, I’d be on campus and be thinking about maybe becoming an actor. Then I’d go home and think I should probably do something else. I kind of toyed with that for years, but really it was Nottingham that kind of sparked that for me, that love of acting.
Do you have any advice for anyone interested in getting into theatre?
Try and go to see as much theatre as possible. Whether that’s the more commercial stuff, whether it’s local, whatever it is, and start to get a feel for what you like and what you don’t like. You know, in terms of writing, directing and acting. Write off to your local theatres. Try and get internships if you can. Just try and get involved with as much stuff as possible, get together with other like-minded people. Do play readings, all of that sort of stuff.
It’s a really wonderful community and industry to be a part of, but it can take some time to kind of find your niche. I would say, if it’s something that you really want to do, put the work in and hopefully you will kind of find your place in the theatre world.
War Horse is on at the Royal Concert Hall between Wednesday 7 – Sunday 18 May. Head to the link below for tickets.