Stephen Tompkinson is currently playing King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot at The Playhouse Theatre. The show marks Stephen's musical theatre debut.
As one of the country’s most popular actors for over 20 years, Stephen has appeared on stage in Love’s Labour’s Lost, Arsenic and Old Lace, Rattle of a Simple Man, Art and The Revengers Tragedy, while his TV roles have included Drop The Dead Donkey, Ballykissangel, Wild At Heart and DCI Banks.
As one of the country’s most popular actors for over 20 years, Stephen has appeared on stage in Love’s Labour’s Lost, Arsenic and Old Lace, Rattle of a Simple Man, Art and The Revengers Tragedy, while his TV roles have included Drop The Dead Donkey, Ballykissangel, Wild At Heart and DCI Banks.
A couple of weeks ago I was asked to make a small cameo appearance in a performance of Spamalot. Before the show I popped into Stephen's dressing room to talk all things Spamalot, alternate career paths and advice for aspiring actors...
Are you enjoying your time in Spamalot?
Absolutely loving it! It’s great! I saw the original version when it was a big Broadway musical which, because of the size of it, kept the audience at arm's length. This new production has returned to Spamalot’s roots in the way that the Pythons would have performed with lots of quick changes and silly voices which make the audience feel much more involved. The show has been reclaimed for a British audience with topical references and so on. The show works so well in the Playhouse Theatre, the band are in the pit which makes a massive difference – in other productions they’ve been up in the wings - it’s more traditional this way.
You leave your sensible head at the door because the show is so silly. There isn’t any other West End Show which is like this.
What are the rest of the cast like to work with?
Everyone has been amazing. Myself and Anna (who plays The Lady Of The Lake) were the new kids on the block so when we started it was great knowing we had that safety net. We had such a short rehearsal period – only 10 days – but because the rest of the cast all knew the show so fluently it was like having your hand held the whole way through.
What do you think you would be doing if you hadn’t become an actor?
I dreamt about playing cricket but I wasn’t good enough. Maybe I would have gone into teaching drama or English. Who knows?!
What advice would you give to any aspiring actors?
If you’re determined give it the best go you can! It’s better to find out that you can’t do it than dreaming about it and thinking ‘what if’.
What would you like to say to everyone who has supported you throughout your career?
Thank you! If you’re enjoying watching then hopefully I’ll continue doing it!
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Click here to go to our Spamalot Week homepage!
Check out West End Frame's amazing Spamalot ticket offer - top price seats reduced to only £39.50! (Offer valid Monday to Friday (add £2.00 on Saturday performances) and discount excludes 16th February to 23th February 2013. Valid until 13th April 2013).
Check out West End Frame's amazing Spamalot ticket offer - top price seats reduced to only £39.50! (Offer valid Monday to Friday (add £2.00 on Saturday performances) and discount excludes 16th February to 23th February 2013. Valid until 13th April 2013).
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