What made you decide to become an actor?
When I was 7/8 years old a teacher asked me if I'd like to audition for the school play (which was 'The Down-Going of Orpheus Hawkins'). I did and went on to play an elf in it. After that I continued to be in the school plays and really enjoyed it. This continued all through school with various parts coming my way. I was quite a lazy kid at school and didn't really see the point in working really hard at something that I didn't care much about (other subjects). So generally I just thought that I would carry on acting as a career as nothing much else interested me and I really enjoyed it!
Who is your favourite actor or actress?
This is quite a hard question as generally I will like a particular performance and not just an actor. At the moment I really Like Imelda Staunton ('Vera Drake' is simply amazing), Paddy Considine ('Dead Man's Shoes', 'Twenty Four Hour Party People') and a few others. There are quite a few actors I think are special.
What is your favourite play?
Well, you can read a play and like it but a play is meant to be seen. So I can only really name a production that I have seen. So, I saw an amazing production of Sarah Kane's 'Crave' which affected me in every single way a play should so I instantly fell in love with it.
Is there any specific role you'd like to play?
There are many roles that I would like to play but am not suitable for. But generally I don't consider these. I just want to play people with a vibrant emotional centre. This comes from the writing initially so I suppose I just want to work on well written characters that connect with the audience on an emotional level. Of course I wouldn't mind playing Hamlet!
Do you prefer theatre or TV?
Um, theatre. I think.
Do you want to become famous?
I think this question has to be answered with consideration to what the word famous entails. If it means celebrity then not really, as I believe that once you become a celebrity it detracts from your ability to draw an audience into a character. I would like to be respected and regarded as an actor of quality.
Is there any type of role you'd refuse to do?
Er, no, don't think so.
© Liz & Suzan / www.tom-payne.com 2005