Crispin Redman will hit the stage at Milton Keynes Theatre next week (from July 3), starring in Love From a Stanger, by Agatha Christie.
Crispin trained at RADA ad his extensive work in various regional theatres in numerous productions, include leading roles in Chips with Everything, The Provoked Wife, Dead Men, The Normal Heart, Cabaret, Wilfred, An Ideal Husband, The Wild Duck, The Park, and Hamlet.
He talked all things theatre with Total MK...
Tell us about your first memory of the theatre
A visit to my school, 40 years ago, by touring productions of The Three Sisters and Twelfth Night led by Ian McKellen. So intoxicated was I that I saw both shows on every night they played. The Three Sisters lives in memory almost as fresh as when I saw it.
And the moment when you realised the theatre was your calling
It was a school play called Unman, Wittering and Zigo; a rather subversive play about school kids murdering their teacher. I had a small role but with one very good ‘moment’, and it was in playing that ‘moment’, a rather lost teenage me suddenly had a feeling of clarity and belonging.
Any dreadful calamities, or funny happenings on stage that you would care to share with us?
If you ever have to read a letter, or a list, or a page of anything, LEARN IT. Because one night, for one reason or another, you’ll be given a blank page and an audience of 800 people who would like to know what it says. Still makes my blood run cold to think of it.
Which stage actor, living or dead, would you most like to meet, and what question would you ask them?
I’ve had good fortune to work with many of my heroes, but one who died too young was the great Michael Bryant. I would ask him how it was he seemingly never felt nerves or apprehension.
Do you have any superstitions, or pre-performance routines?
I always like to walk the stage before a show, to familiarise myself with the space and with the auditorium.
The best piece of advice given to you when you started in the business
Respect everyone who works in the theatre; there is no one that you, the actor, do not depend on. And be kind.
What do you think has been your steepest learning curve
My first job, at a theatre in Tufnell Park in London, was truly appalling. The productions were all awful, and I learned that despite my feelings, those around me depended on me and that I should always give of my best.
How do you fill your spare time while on tour
Depending on where I am, sightseeing and coffee shops. And of course Netflix.
Nerves or excitement? Which takes over just before the curtain rises?
Nerves, sadly. I do think they get in the way, and they go quickly enough, but I do so wish I could be more like the late great Michael Bryant (in every possible way).
How can the future of theatre be safeguarded? What would you do to entice new blood to audiences?
Somehow, it’s got to be cheaper to go to the theatre. The National Theatre has led the way with its £10 Travelex seasons, and if every theatre could get that kind of sponsorship, then parents could perhaps afford to take their kids, not to panto, but to PLAYS, and introduce them to live dramatic performance and see if that impacts on them. Of course it’s not for everyone, but with present generations being slaves to the hypnotic smart phone, I think we do need to help parents break into their children’s consciousness and imaginations, and give them the opportunity of theatrical experience.
Now tell us about the three favourite roles your have played so far, and what makes them special.
1 Hamlet: Well, obvs. One of the greatest parts, in one of the greatest plays.
2 Sir Humphrey in Yes Prime Minister: Some of the ‘laughs’ from the audience was so powerful it almost felt like being knocked back. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed myself so much on stage.
3 MC in Cabaret: Never having sung or danced before, some brave soul of a director saw something in me and cast me as MC. It was something of a revelation and so, so much fun.
Finally, why should people come and see Love From a Stranger...
Because it’s a really cracking night out.
To book tickets click here
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