We chat to actor, Jack Byrne, who has a leading role in Southend Shakespeare Company's latest production, The Vortex, this November at Southend's Dixon Studio at the Palace Theatre
Tickets www.southendtheatres.org.uk
Tickets www.southendtheatres.org.uk
When and under what circumstances did you start taking part in amateur dramatics?
About six years ago I had started on a finance course at college, but shortly after starting, I began to have a change in career paths and wanted to pursue acting instead. So, I decided to stick with the course I was on to have as a back-up, and while doing that would perform in amateur shows to get some experience before starting a performing arts course.
Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?
No, I’m the only one so far.
Have you done any formal theatre or musical training?
I don’t. I did apply for drama school last year and was unsuccessful, but do mean to try again this year.
Do you have any special skills, from juggling to costume design, that have proved useful on stage?
No, though I am going to start developing some skills that are useful to have as you never know when they may come in handy.
Do you do any accents or impressions?
Well, having a grandfather who originally came from Rochdale, it was hard not to pick up his accent. My father and I also every now and again will have conversations using different accents, mainly Scottish or Welsh but it could be anything.
Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your theatre career?
I don’t think I can narrow it down to a single role as I have had so many good experiences and roles throughout my time performing though I did thoroughly enjoy playing Valentine in Arcadia.
Who is the most inspirational person you have worked with/been taught by, in your stage career?
Inspiration for me normally comes when I am working with others, and I then become inspired by what we as a group are creating. I also am inspired by watching a production and seeing it as a whole, so I don’t think I could narrow it down to a single person.
When was your most embarrassing theatrical moment on or off stage?
Fortunately, I haven’t had anything happen to me so far, but I am sure that luck won’t last forever
What do you do for a living?
I currently work as a team leader at the Cliffs Pavilion
About six years ago I had started on a finance course at college, but shortly after starting, I began to have a change in career paths and wanted to pursue acting instead. So, I decided to stick with the course I was on to have as a back-up, and while doing that would perform in amateur shows to get some experience before starting a performing arts course.
Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in drama?
No, I’m the only one so far.
Have you done any formal theatre or musical training?
I don’t. I did apply for drama school last year and was unsuccessful, but do mean to try again this year.
Do you have any special skills, from juggling to costume design, that have proved useful on stage?
No, though I am going to start developing some skills that are useful to have as you never know when they may come in handy.
Do you do any accents or impressions?
Well, having a grandfather who originally came from Rochdale, it was hard not to pick up his accent. My father and I also every now and again will have conversations using different accents, mainly Scottish or Welsh but it could be anything.
Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your theatre career?
I don’t think I can narrow it down to a single role as I have had so many good experiences and roles throughout my time performing though I did thoroughly enjoy playing Valentine in Arcadia.
Who is the most inspirational person you have worked with/been taught by, in your stage career?
Inspiration for me normally comes when I am working with others, and I then become inspired by what we as a group are creating. I also am inspired by watching a production and seeing it as a whole, so I don’t think I could narrow it down to a single person.
When was your most embarrassing theatrical moment on or off stage?
Fortunately, I haven’t had anything happen to me so far, but I am sure that luck won’t last forever
What do you do for a living?
I currently work as a team leader at the Cliffs Pavilion
Has your theatre career ever been useful in your day job, and/or have you ever drawn on your day job for any of your stage roles?
Working in such a public place you get to see all manner of people. It really is a great place to people watch and pick up on little mannerisms that people have which can help when building various characters.
Tell us about your current production of ‘The Vortex’.
So, The Vortex is one of the first plays written by Noel Coward and is being directed by the brilliant Cathy Memery. The play follows the lives and fractured relationship of Florence Lancaster and her son Nicky, who I play.
Which actor do you most admire and why?
One of my favourite actors has to be Celia Imrie as she is so diverse and able to play such a wide range of characters so well. I also love Catherine Tate as she too is so diverse in her acting ability.
Working in such a public place you get to see all manner of people. It really is a great place to people watch and pick up on little mannerisms that people have which can help when building various characters.
Tell us about your current production of ‘The Vortex’.
So, The Vortex is one of the first plays written by Noel Coward and is being directed by the brilliant Cathy Memery. The play follows the lives and fractured relationship of Florence Lancaster and her son Nicky, who I play.
Which actor do you most admire and why?
One of my favourite actors has to be Celia Imrie as she is so diverse and able to play such a wide range of characters so well. I also love Catherine Tate as she too is so diverse in her acting ability.
What role would you most like to play and why?
I would love to play Hamlet. It would be challenging as it is such a mammoth part to play but I think would be great fun due to the character of Hamlet being so complicated and complex.
Any tips to pass on for learning your lines?
Whenever you get the chance to go through them, do it. I have often run lines while at work or in the street which does sometimes get a few odd looks.
Any other tricks of the trade to pass on?
Don’t wait for opportunities to find you, go out and find them.