In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This week we chatted to Anton Lesser who is currently playing Laurie Lee in Red Sky at Sunrise: Laurie Lee in Words & Music and Thomas Hardy in A Beautiful Thread: Thomas Hardy in Words & Music, both being performed at Wilton’s Music Hall 15 – 20 September.
1. My route into theatre was…
While in Nigeria, doing a year out (as part of a degree course in Architecture), I saw a British Council film about the Royal Shakespeare Company. I got into RADA – and my first job was with the RSC.
2. My West End idol is…
Matthew Macfadyen. A fantastic actor, and a lovely chap.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
I hope my colleagues would describe me as being a pleasure to work with – punctual, professional, friendly, etc. But I never read reviews, so you just never really know…
4. My favourite show is…
The recent Titus Andronicus at Stratford – Simon Russell Beale superb in a fantastic production.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Rather than pick any one career moment, I’d say it’s that moment after a show when an audience member has clearly felt their heart has been touched. You can see it in their eyes, and it’s priceless. It happens a lot with my work with Orchestra of the Swan.
6. The hardest part about my job is…
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
I’d probably be doing something with wood – or gardening.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m a passionate Liverpool Football Club fan and am probably personally responsible for their success.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Do what you love.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
It will all make sense one day, and it’s OK to change your mind.
Book to see Anton Lesser at Wilton’s Music Hall from 15 – 20 September.
