We chatted to Theo about starring in the World Premiere of A Single Man at the Park Theatre.
Hi Theo, for those who aren’t familiar with the story- what is A Single Man About? It’s set in 1962 in Los Angeles and is about an English college professor grieving the death of his
long term lover, Jim. It’s about love and loss, grief and hope, getting old and all the mess that goes hand-in-hand with those things.
What was it that made you want to be part of the production? The writing, the adaptation, the director. Who wouldn’t want to do this part? I feel extremely lucky that I get to play this fascinating man.
How does it feel to be bringing the story to the Park Theatre? The Park Theatre is amazing; it’s so intimate. I think this story will work really well in the space.
What do you think it is about A Single Man that will resonate the most for people? It has universal themes. Christopher Isherwood is incredibly honest in his writing and Simon
Reade’s adaptation has remained true to that honesty. I think that people will respond to the themes of isolation and hiding.
Were you familiar with Christopher Isherwood’s book before this production? I knew who Isherwood was because of I Am a Camera and Cabaret (which I was in at school),
and I knew he was friends with W. H. Auden. I used to own a very nice Penguin copy of Mr. Norris Changes Trains which to my shame, I never read. I read A Single Man after having seen Tom Ford’s film; it’s SUCH a beautiful book.
How have you been finding working on this production so far? I always really enjoy the rehearsal process. I love working with other actors and find them incredibly inspiring. It’s a fantastic cast and I am so lucky to be working with them on such a wonderful play.
By Emma Clarendon
A Single Man will play at the Park Theatre from the 19th October until the 26th November.