“I’am a black belt in karate. Mum looked at me aged six and thought I’d need it.“
What kind of actor do you aspire to be?
One who’s good at his job and happy in life.
What performance piece did you choose for the showcase and why?
Zeppo from Pomona by Alistair McDowall. He’s a proper Manc who eats chicken nuggets constantly. I just played him in my most recent third-year show and something really clicked. I hadn’t played anyone northern since I started training, and he connected me back to something from home. He reminded me of people I used to see on the bus. My gut said it was the right thing to share here.
What book, theatre, film or TV production has most inspired you?
It’s always changing. Over the past year, it’s been Succession, I May Destroy You, Hilary Mantel’s books, Christopher Shinn’s plays.
How have you been keeping creative during lockdown?
I kept a journal in the first lockdown. Made a lot of lists of things I was watching and reading. It’s hard to separate the life stuff that happened during that time from creativity. But I’ve come out of it a better actor and a surer person.
What advice would you give for anyone else preparing for a showcase?
Look far and wide for inspiration. But make the showcase work for you. Do things on your own terms. Trust your gut.
What do you hope to be doing this time next year?
Living and working in a pandemic-free world.