Theatre Hunter

Alasdair Hunter - Theatre Director 🎭 Acting Coach 💀 Shakespeare Specialist 📝 Developer of New Writing /// Artistic Director of Wilderness Of Tigers 🐯

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with Morna Young!

How would you describe what you do? 

I’m a playwright, theatre-maker, musician and actor… wearer of many hats! I’m fortunate to work across theatre in different roles and I’ve become increasingly interested in multi-disciplinary artistry. I’m recipient of the Dr Gavin Wallace Fellowship 2017 (hosted by Creative Learning, Aberdeen City Council) – this year’s fellowship theme is ‘the folk, the language and the landscape of the North East’ so I’ve been exploring that within my work. I’m particularly interested in working class women’s voices and challenging inequality within the industry. I tend to write in Doric and I’m a proud Scots Language Ambassador. I’m also one half of Folkify (with Sandy Nelson). We ‘folk up’ non-folk songs, anything from pop to rock to rap… it’s a fun gig to be a part of. 

What theatre inspires you the most?

Genuine collaboration. I often see theatre where the pieces don’t quite fit together -  the script, the direction, the design; they all sit in slightly different worlds. Then you stumble across the productions where everything aligns and it’s magical. I love work that challenges the norm and showcases voices and worlds that we don’t normally see. Theatre is guilty of serving the middle classes and we have to challenge that; whose lens are we looking through? We all know work when it’s authentic and, when we find it, it’s beautifully inspiring.     What is your dream role / project?

I think I’m living it at the moment. The Fellowship has given me time and space to reflect, research, play and write. It’s a dream job.

What’s your favourite play?

Tough question. Love Song by Abi Morgan, Jerusalem by Jez Butterworth, Angels in America by Tony Kushner. I adore everything by Linda McLean. War Horse was up there with most magical theatre experiences I’ve ever had, I became a little kid again, completely enthralled by the onstage enchantment. I also adored Counting Sheep at the fringe in 2016… glorious.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be you.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Listen to your gut. Focus on your own goals and stop comparing yourself to everyone else. Celebrate your friend’s successes; someone else getting a gig does not make you a failure. In fact, celebrate your failures too. They teach you far more than the successes. Great art evolves from mistakes. Be brave. It’s the only way we grow. What are you up to next? The Fellowship runs through to April next year. I’ve been working on a full-length play about domestic staff in a private school so that’s my main focus. The joy of this Fellowship is that it’s allowed me to explore my voice in different ways so I’ve got a few scripts on the go that I need to finish up. And a novel. I’m also collaborating with some awesome people including a multi-disciplinary artistry project called Folk plus Heroines (with AJ Taudevin and Belle Jones) and Projections (with Sarah Rose Graber). Upcoming performances includes Paines Plough’s Come to Where I’m From on 26th September at The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen and we’re got a one off Folkify at The Tron on 8th November.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with top Broadway producer Ken Davenport!

How would you describe what you do?

My job is to get a bunch of people in a room together so they can create something special that people want to see.

What theatre inspires you the most?

Musicals that do something we haven’t seen before, or inspire us to look at life just a little bit differently.

What is your dream role/project?

My dream project is whatever I’m working on at this very moment (Once On This Island and Gettin’ The Band Back Together).

What’s your favourite play?

Anything by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

If you want a show to happen, book a theater.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Whatever it is you want to do, start.

What are you up to next?

Once On This Island, Gettin’ The Band Back Together and continuing to write my blog at TheProducersPerspective.com!

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #QuickFireTheatre Interview is with Warren Rusher! How would you describe what you do? Creating a believable medium for telling a story. On the acting side it's definitely about creating; a character, a believable world, suspension of disbelief, a moment of enjoyment for the audience. I also do a bit of drama teaching and that side of things is totally about creating as well; creating an environment for learning, and more importantly creating the space for the hunger to learn. What theatre inspires you the most? Theatre that makes me think, makes me re-evaluate something. This is easier with New Writing I think, but a classic can still do this to me if it is very carefully put together. The first show I saw that did this to me was Popcorn by Ben Elton in 1998 about the question of violence on screen and it's relation to society. The question posed by the production was bouncing around my head for days afterwards (and looking back it seemed to predict the following 15 odd years of reality TV voyeurism). What is your dream role/project? This changes with life experience I think... or for me anyway. Currently I want to play Richard III in a politically charged production. When I was a bit younger it was Enobarbus. What’s your favourite play? Is it possible to have just one? Currently I'd say People, places and things, Blue Orange, Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme and my favourite classic is Antony and Cleopatra. Next week it could be a different set... What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? When on a set, never stand when you can sit and never sit when you can lie down.... and always bring a book That same older actor also told me that anything you can do when you are full of confidence because of a gig, you can do when you are not riding high and are wondering when the next gig will be, if ever (think he was talking about attracting girls.... but it applies to everything). What advice would you give to someone starting out? Give it a damn good shot, listen to your gut and don't let anyone else foist their dreams onto you.  What are you up to next? Continuing with plans to set up a small production company and looking to set up a performers evening (monologues, scenes and networking) if there is an interest. I also have some Shakespeare education stuff in the pipeline.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #QuickFireTheatre interview is with Ewan Somers!

How would you describe what you do?

Really fun, collaborative and interesting as you get to spend a lot of time learning things you wouldn’t necessarily get to otherwise.

What theatre inspires you the most?

The kind that has something to say and maybe sets out to ask more questions than it answers. The stuff that gets people talking in the bar afterwards.

What is your dream role/project?

This one changes fairly regularly. I recently re-read David Greig’s “Dunsinane” and I’d love a go at Malcolm.

What’s your favourite play?

Larry Kramer’s “The Normal Heart”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Be nice and work hard.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

See above.

What are you up to next?

I’m currently in rehearsals for “Faithful Ruslan: The Story of a Guard Dog” which is a co-production between the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry and the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow.

[theatrehunter]

Today's #quickfiretheatre interview is with Daniel Portman, known to many as Podrick Payne from HBO’s Game of Thrones! How would you describe what you do? I try to be three things: a story teller, an entertainer and a communicator! What kind of theatre inspires you? The kind of theatre that sucks you in so much, you forget you're watching it. If I see bravery, honesty and commitment on stage, I'll be inspired by it. What's your dream role / project?

I have a few: I'd like to write and direct a play one day, maybe not at the same time, but definitely interested in doing both. As an actor, I reckon top of my list is Macbeth. What's your favourite play? There's a long list. I love Greek by Steven Berkoff, again Macbeth is definitely up there, Look Back in Anger, Jerusalem, The Lieutenant of Inishmore...the list goes on! What's the best advice you've ever been given? I've been lucky enough to get a lot of good advice from a lot of good people. What advice would you give to someone starting out? For someone starting out, I'd say just be really passionate. Throw yourself at it, say yes to every experience you can do, watching things, being in things. Be in and around people who care and are excited and you'll end up flourishing. What are you up to next? I'm writing a couple of different film scripts at minute, and as an actor I've got a few things up in the air at the minute, so it's just a waiting game

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with Lorne MacFadyen, known to many from ITV’s Grantchester and Tina and Bobby!

How would you describe what you do?

Fun! Totally fascinating, sometimes excruciating, sometimes beautiful!

What theatre inspires you most?

I love theatre which is able to relate to and move any audience, however that may be.

What’s your dream role/project?

I don’t have a dream role! But I do like the prospect of a challenge.

What’s your favourite play?

Again I’m not sure, but probably something by Arthur Miller.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Someone once told me that life’s not a race!

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

As bleak as this might sound I would say go in with no expectations. But seriously, if you don’t feel as if you’re owed anything then anything you get is a bonus :)

What are you up to next?

Next up I’m doing a wee part in Lenny Abrahamson’s next film ‘The Little Stranger’ which is great, love his work and I’m also working with Peter Gill on a reading of his play ‘Certain Young Men’ at the National Theatre next week.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with EmmaClaire Brightlyn!

How would you describe what you do? I tell stories… I’m an actor and a fight director and sometimes a teacher too.

What theatre inspires you the most? I love getting to see things that surprise me, and engage me on a very human level. That change my heartbeat and the air around me. Often that is very physical work. Always it is work that is brave.

What is your dream role/project? I have so many… this picture is from one. It is a play called “becoming” by Kathy McKean. It is about Rome’s greatest gladiatrix on the day of her last fight. I had the chance to do some work on it last year with a team of the most astoundingly talented artists. My dream is to get to do it again, and tour it, around Scotland, then the world.

What’s your favourite play? ooft… I don’t think it has been written yet.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? When I was just starting out, even before drama school, I did semi-professional performance in my hometown. One of the other actors in the show, when I told her I hoped to be an actor one day, said to me “you’re here. You’re doing it. That makes you an actor.” That and “do a great job, and don’t be a jerk.”

What advice would you give to someone starting out? Think about the projects you are getting involved with. There are 3 reasons to do anything: 1 — the money (obviously), 2 — the people involved, 3 — the project itself. When you start off, only one of those is key. Make the show with your pals. Give up going to the cinema for a summer to play that part. Cash that paycheck. But as your career grows, you should look to have 2 reasons to every project. One day, if you are really lucky, all three will come together. And you will be grateful.

What are you up to next? I am part of the summer rep company at Bard in the Botanics, playing the roles of Apemantus and the Senator in Timon of Athens, and Goneril in Queen Lear, both of which I am THRILLED to bits about. I am also staging the fights for the season. Simultaneously (well, with some very careful scheduling) I am directing a show called Calvinball for Ipdip Theatre, which will go up at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and staging the fights for a remount of This Restless House, an award winning adaptation of the Oresteia by Zinnie Harris, as part of the Edinburgh International Festival.

[theatrehunter]

This edition of #quickfiretheatre features Vivien Reid! 📸: Steven Cook How would you describe what you do? Actors are storytellers and hopefully believable ones! What theatre inspires you the most? Theatre that does not bore me to tears! I want theatre to make me feel something; I want to leave asking questions, to be entertained and inspired. What is your dream role/project? I don’t have a dream role, there are far to many amazing roles to choose from, however I would absolutely love the opportunity to play Lady Macbeth. What’s your favorite play? Again this is a difficult question as I don’t have a favorite play but I do have a beautiful old copy of Macbeth, which sits, by my bed. Sarah Kane I think her work is incredible and I did Seneca’s Thyestes while training at Drama Centre with Christopher Fettes and it blew me away. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? A wonderful friend of mine who is also an actor said these words to me a few years ago, “From this moment on” these words had such a powerful effect on my life and me. What advice would you give to someone starting out? I try not to give advice as I think you have to find your own way. The most powerful thing you have is you! Who you are! You are unique and have your own essence as a person, so trust you! Believe in yourself, have courage and determination. Follow your dreams and always be grateful for what you have. Respect yourself and others. Gratitude is most important. Do your work then catch the moment and let the magic happen!

[theatrehunter]

Today's #quickfiretheatre interview is with bafta award winning actor Daniel Cameron. How would you describe what you do? I get paid a very small amount of money to tell very well constructed lies. For a slightly higher fee I teach others to follow suit. I write a bit as well. What Theatre inspires you the most? I think any theatre that tells a good story. There’s a real child like wonder when you see a great story and people on stage really listening to each other. If there happens to be a social/political issue at the heart of something that’s all well intentioned I’m sure but it doesn’t really move me, I find it too intellectual. Anything that moves me. I think all the best Shakespeare and Chekhov has that quality – when you really see people with their imperfections and flaws. That’s really thrilling when it’s done well. What’s your dream role/project? I’d love to work with the Berliner Ensemble. I’ve seen them twice in Germany and their attention to detail and sense of play is incredible. In terms of a role there’s loads but probably Richard II by Shakespeare – it’s just such a beautiful role and spirit and to see someone so flawed and yet so naïve is such a good combination to play, particularly in verse. That or maybe Oedipus – I think I could do bleeding-eye acting quite well. What’s your favourite play? Three Sisters by Anton Chekhov. I think it might be a perfect play. The last scene in Act 4 still makes me weep every time I see or read it. What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? It sounds simple but the best advice I was ever given was at drama school from the director Graham McLaren. We were working with him for a two week block and he kept saying “Never be afraid” and for me that was really important. I’d spent most of my time being so petrified of just doing – not feeling or thinking – but just doing. When you put fear to rest then you can really start to do your work and it’s fun again. What advice would you give to someone starting out? This may not be the only thing you end up doing. You might not just act. You might teach, direct, write, produce so keep the possibilities open. It’s not a cutthroat industry but it can feel an indifferent one at times. You’ll feel frustrated, rejected, lonely and angry at times. But put those feelings to good use and MAKE SOMETHING. That’s your job. What are you up to next? Working on two new projects with In Motion Theatre Company that I’ve written and one of which I’m acting in called The Cage. I love the variety of what I do. I’m lucky enough to be an acting tutor on the RCS Short Courses and Junior Conservatoire and teaching taught me more about acting than anything else. Seeing people make discoveries and make mistakes lets you reflect on what you do yourself.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview with director Hannah Drake! Glasgow followers can catch Jane Eyre at the Theatre Royal!

How would you describe what you do? I tell stories in strange locations. I wear head torches more often than you might expect. Sometimes I get to make people’s dreams come true when they audition at drama school. Also I make spreadsheets. Quite a lot of spreadsheets.

What theatre inspires you the most? For me it’s all about clarity of storytelling and characters that I care about. I love the work of companies like Theatre ad infinitum, whose physical theatre precision I envy and find captivating. I also love family theatre, which is all about connection with the audience. Some of the most inspiring productions I have seen break down the traditional boundaries between audiences and performers through use of space — whether that’s shows that are in-the-round or more immersive like the work of Punchdrunk. I guess what I’m looking for in inspiring theatre is that feeling I used to get when I read a really good book as a kid: to become lost in someone else’s story/world. The best theatre does that — and often it doesn’t involve more than a skilled storyteller and someone to listen.

What is your dream role/project? The next one. That might sound crass, but I don’t have one ‘this is it, this is the thing I have to do and then I’ll die happy’ project. I love the thrill of the new — that sense of inspiration and breaking new ground. Of challenging myself and others, especially as I work increasingly in found spaces — the sense of discovery is amplified.

That said, I quite like the idea of having directed every Shakespeare play in the canon, and I’d like to direct a musical. Longer term I’d like to establish something like the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre here in Bristol.

What’s your favourite play? For nostalgic reasons: Macbeth or Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me — I directed versions of these plays at key moments in my career and they have shaped the kind of director I am and want to be. For the production that got me into directing: Saint Joan (directed by Marianne Elliot for the National in 2007). There is also something beautiful about the voices of Tennessee Williams and Terence Rattigan — I’d love to direct more of their work.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Trust the process. It’s easy to want to get to the ‘this is good’ bit really soon, but sometimes striving for the finished product stops you from discovering better choices. Let the show take the time it takes to be made — you don’t need to be there on day one. This also applies to your career: play the long game.

What advice would you give to someone starting out? Always have a strong ‘why’ for doing any project. It could be to work with a particular artist, in a particular space, to try out a different type of writing or form of working, or even just the fee on offer. Every project has that moment when you ask yourself ‘why on earth am I doing this?’ So make sure you know in advance!

Your career is personal: don’t compare yourself to others. Find friends and mentors who will be able to give you honest feedback, and support you when you hit periods of self doubt (which you will).

Finally, cultivate a life outside of the theatre — it will keep you sane and make you better at what you do. Don’t get lost in the bubble.

What are you up to next? I’m currently looking after the national tour of Jane Eyre for the NT, which runs until the end of October. Beyond that, I am developing an adaptation of Hansel & Gretl with my company Insane Root as well as being in early talks to create a site-specific Shakespeare in east Bristol. I am also attempting to kill all the weeds in my garden.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with Eve Nicol! How would you describe what you do? I direct and write theatre. I tell stories even though no one has asked me to. I spill my guts and trying not to slip up on my own muck.

What theatre inspires you the most? I’ve got this headcanon of 1970s Citz which is probably totally fabricated but keeps me in check. Approaching the classics and new works with a bit of blood, glitter, sweat and sex. The dream. I’m suckered by theatre that leans into hedonism, talks to our secret parts and is okay with being a little bit intellectual. Individual theatre artists inspire me perhaps more than genres of work. I need my heroes to look up to. Totems. Giants whose shoulders I stand on. People who left their handprints on the cave walls. Proof that the paths I want to meander down have been tread before and are safe to travel. At least if you’ve come ready to fight the monsters.

What is your dream role/project? Wouldn’t it be nice to read plays all day then have a drink and talk about shows all evening? I’d love to be Kenneth Tynan and rock a slick paisley print pyjama if that job is going. I do think that time spent exploring what is already out there and cultivating discussion is a valid use of time. It helps create the basis for interesting programming, building an audience and creating a home for other artists. Alternatively if anyone knows how I could get a job doing the voices for Pokemon - I’d be down for that. I do a mean Bulbasaur.

What’s your favourite play? I cycle through different Philip Ridley plays on an hourly basis. I grew up reading his stories for children so his particular brand of fairytale freakery is mother’s milk to me. No one writes about love quite like him. His 2005 play, Mercury Fur, holds a particular special spot if only for containing the sentence “the zebra burst into flames”. It wasn’t until I saw it performed that it opened itself up to me. It sits as a particular keystone in Ridley’s work, can be the most difficult of his stories to stomach but its intense depiction of love at its boiling point is prophetic and beautiful.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? “So why don’t you just do it?” One of my utter heroes asked me this when I hadn’t started out yet and told them about my ideas for the kind of theatre I wanted to make. I realised that there wasn’t any good reason not to get on with it. I’d been waiting for permission which I didn’t really need. No one was going to ask me to make the work. I just had to do it anyway.

What advice would you give to someone starting out? “So why don’t you just do it?” It won’t be perfect but it will be real. And time is running out.

What are you up to next? My tabletop production of Simon Stephens’ Sea Wall joins the line up of A Younger Theatre and New Diorama Theatre’s Incoming Festival in London tonight. I’ve been supported by a Federation of Scottish Theatre bursary to work as Assistant Director on Linda McLean’s new play, Glory on Earth, at Lyceum, Edinburgh which closes 10 June. Then I’m trying out some new ideas with Georgie Mac during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The best development is just to do it and get it in front of an audience I reckon.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with Clare Marcie! How would you describe what you do?

I act, write and make theatre

What theatre inspires you the most?

Theatre that surprises me. And if it can make me laugh AND cry then it’s a winner.

What is your dream role/project?

I have a lot of those. One day I want to play Richard the third. I don’t know how. But one day….

What’s your favourite play?

Right now, it’s a tie between Swallow by Stef Smith and When Sun and Moon collide by Briar Grace Smith. They’re both such masters of poetic realism. I also just recently saw Tristan and Yseult by Kneehigh Theatre and completely fell in love with it.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

I often return to this pearl from a book titled ‘A Practical Handbook for the Actor:

“As an actor, you should never concern yourself with “talent”. Talent, if it exists at all, is completely out of your control….so why waste energy worrying about it?”

What the writers go on to say is that what you can control is how committed you are to your path. If you simply focus on the things you CAN control, and do your best to be consistent and persistent in spite of rejection, then you’ll go far.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Take care of yourself Take your time Reflect as you go Try not to take rejection personally (easier said than done of course)

Finally: enjoy where you are. Don’t wish away the early part of your journey, as this may lead to a habit of wishing away every part of your journey. Targets are always changing and humans are quickly dissatisfied.

If you can learn to enjoy the ride, the momentary stresses will have less power over you & more importantly you’ll be able to appreciate what you’re doing and what you’re a part of.

What are you up to next?

I recently performed a work in progress of my solo show What Would Kanye Do? At Hidden Door Festival which is going to be premiering at Edinburgh Fringe 2017, come see it! https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/what-would-kanye-do

[theatrehunter]

Today's #quickfiretheatre interview is with Jonny Reed!

How would you describe what you do?

I'm a tech, a general jack of all trades from lighting and AV to Stage and production management. I've spent the last 18 months honing in my lighting skills working at Dundee Rep where I've worked on some pretty special projects.

What theatre inspires you the most?

Theatre that treats tech stuff as something more than just enhancements. Whether it's a clever sound design or a simple stand up lightbulb that becomes just as much of a supporting character as the company of actors. It's a real privilege to feel like you're part of the company on stage when you're sat behind a console.

What is your dream role/project?

Starship Ghost (wilderness of tigers)

What’s your favourite play?

Love Song by John Kolvenbach.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

When lighting a show, less is more and you're only as good as your last job.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

In the tech world, you don't need a degree or education to get started, approach your local theatre or concert hall and get involved, whether it's voluntary or low paid - eventually it'll lead to real work and the experiences along the way are what gets you through.

What are you up to next?

I've just left Dundee Rep to return to Glasgow for more freelance work and touring. Seeking more opportunities in lighting and design.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with Zoe Hunter!

How would you describe what you do? I am a theatre maker and a performer (in various forms). I perform with other artists /companies in their shows, I have made my own work or work with my theatre company in the past (less so recently). More of a gun for hire right now. I’m an actress but I have made dance pieces, done lots of voice over work (even for video games even though I’ve never played anything other than Frogger) and I work quite a bit as a puppeteer. Basically I don’t really know what I am.

What theatre inspires you the most? Without wanting to sound like a cliche… things that move me and push my emotional buttons. But I’ll let you into a wee secret, for that to happen you normally will have had to get me laughing before you can get me crying. I love big spectacle stuff but one of my favourite performers is a drag act called Taylor Mac. It’s just him, his uke, his fabulous costumes and his songs and chat. He is wonderful!! He makes me laugh and cry, sometimes simultaneously.

What is your dream role/project? I’ve had a few crackin parts in my time. I loved playing the powerful Whiplash Mary, (care home worked by day and professional wrestler by night). It was a great show (Lardo) and we got lots of nominations and a mini cult following. I’d love to be given the opportunity to play a Meaty role like that with a really big company or on screen while I’m still young enough and fit enough to do it.

And I’d like to do a gender swap piece. I think I’d definitely give Lear a pretty good shot.

What’s your favourite play? I can’t pick one I adore Death of A Salesman I loved David Tennant in The Pillowman at the National but my favourite ‘show’ of all time was Far Side of the Moon ( Robert Le Page)

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t try to have a ‘career’ and a life, in this industry things are too unpredictable. Have a life and it’s all part of it.

What advice would you give to someone starting out? Have a back up plan and be as honest with yourself as you can be about whether you’ve got what it takes. And try to avoid being bitter about knock backs, there will always be knock backs.

What are you up to next? I’ve just finished a big gig so I’m on me holidays right now. Waiting to hear about an exciting wee gig so won’t say incase I jinx it.

[theatrehunter]

Today's #quickfiretheatre interview is with Andrew Mundt! 1. How would you describe what you do? I would describe what I do as exploring humanity through storytelling. 2. What theatre inspires you? All theatre inspires me, it is a very special thing to have someone share their art with you and the more people who are creating, the better. Having said that, I'd have to say realism. When a piece of work can make you laugh, cry, sing or shout through being able to connect to the truth of it, it is a very powerful, often cathartic, memorable experience. 3. What's your dream role / project? As a young man I would love to play Biff in Death of a Salesman. I love Arthur Miller's work. There is so much truth and the words he puts on the page are perfectly ordinary but they create something truly beautiful. Biff is just an everyday guy with an incredible journey. I'd love to play Shylock when I am older too, and I'd love to direct Shakespeare in any capacity. No explanation needed there. 4. What's your favourite play? My favourite play...an incredibly hard question. I genuinely don't think I could pick one. I don't think you could put a Shakespeare up against, for instance, a Miller play. They just aren't the same so it's unfair to try and qualify one against the other. One play I would say had a strong impact on me was Fear and Misery of the Third Reich by Brecht. I came across it quite early on in my training as a mid teen and it was really the first time I considered theatre as a powerful political vehicle, it inspired me to learn more about Brecht and his work and that opened up my eyes to the possibilities of theatre being more than just entertainment. 5. What's the best advice you've ever been given? The best advice I have ever been given...always be the hardest worker in the room. 6. What advice would you give to someone starting out? Aside from the above, I would say stay humble and true to yourself. Enjoy the journey, but never forget where you came from. 7. What's next for you? I'm in the pre-rehearsal stage for a play called Wilds by the wonderful Lisa VillaMil. It's about the social and political climate in the Western world today, specifically the rise of right wing Governments and attitudes towards immigration and women's rights. It has a very strong message without being didactic or preachy. It's beautifully written but very badass, much like Lisa herself. Glad Cafe late July. Come see it!

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with Aslam Percival Husain.

How would you describe what you do?

Anam cara.

What theatre inspires you the most?

Theatre that makes the familiar strange.

What is your dream role/project?

Hamlet.

What’s your favourite play?

Hedda Gabler.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

You are enough.

What advice would you give to someone starting out?

Lose your self.

What are you up to next?

The madman in Diary of a madman.

[theatrehunter]

Today’s #quickfiretheatre interview is with Karen Bartke, aka Officer Karen from BBC comedy Scot Squad.

How would you describe what you do? Professional categorisation? Actor, voiceover, improviser, singer (a bit), occasional cake maker, box office manager and general administrator. What do I do? Pretend for a living and count my lucky stars that I am allowed to do so.

What theatre inspires you the most? I grew up with television rather than theatre, so I am naturally drawn towards naturalism. Anything where I get sucked in to the story and characters enough that I have an instinctive, emotional response to it just blows my mind. I love forgetting that I’m in a theatre and forgetting that it’s all rehearsed and organised. Being on the edge of my seat or struggling to control an audible sob is quite a common occurrence for me.

What is your dream role/project? I think I would probably explode if I got offered a job on Dr Who. I’ve been a fan since I was very, VERY young. Also, anything Robin of Sherwood related would be spectacular. I’d love to play Beatrice professionally too. Work at the RSC, work in the West End, work at the Citz, work with NTS …. this will turn into a pretty never ending list if I really think about it.

What’s your favourite play? I’ve always been a sucker for Much Ado About Nothing.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given? I went to a casting workshop with Danny Jackson and he helped us to understand that the Casting Director really isn’t your enemy. They are on your side and they truly want you to come in and be perfect for the job. Not just because they are nice people, but because it reflects well on them. Not advice as such, but I remind myself of that every time I meet a CD and it has genuinely helped me with my nerves. (Not cured them, but certainly reduced them slightly).

What advice would you give to someone starting out? Think very hard about whether you really, really want to act, rather than wanting to be well known or financially successful. I’m not saying people shouldn’t join the industry for those reasons, but it’s a tough gig and only a tiny minority of people will ever reach any significant level of fame or wealth. To be brutally honest, if you don’t NEED to do it at some core level, I’d probably suggest you do something else instead. I’d also really strongly recommend that you have some ideas of what jobs you can do to earn some money in between acting work. Financially it’s crucial, but it also makes a huge difference to your mental health I think. Having nothing to do and waiting for acting jobs to turn up can be soul crushing. You end up feeling you’re waiting for someone — anyone — to give you permission to be useful. Having a sideline job, whatever it may be, gives you back a tiny bit of control over your own destiny. Be friendly with your fellow actors. Be glad for their successes. You’re not in competition with them, so try not to feel bitter if one of your mates lands a monster gig and try to offer support and help whenever and wherever you can. It stops this being a lonely job, plus it’s just nice to be nice!

What are you up to next? I’m appearing in Shows on a Shoestring’s production of “Assessment” by Robert Dawson Scott at Gilded Balloon Rose Theatre from 2–28 August (except 15th August) at 2.30pm. It’s a wonderful script and I think a very timely idea. I’m also going to be in panto at the Gardyne Theatre in Dundee this Christmas, which is a new adventure for me. We’re doing “Sleeping Beauty” and it stars Tom Urie, Darren Connell and James Mackenzie. I’ve also got some development work coming up with playwrights Jo Lennie and Kenny Boyle which I’m very excited about. (I know that I am a lucky bugger to be able to write a few things under this heading — I am counting my blessings, believe me!). Outside that, I’ll be running my box office, doing admin, all the usual.