Stewart Wright gives us a little insight into his life as an actor and his up and coming role as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing at The Rose Theatre Kingston alongside Mel Giedroyc.

1. How long does it take to rehearse for a role such as Dogberry? 

A lifetime... no, in this case we’ve had between four and five weeks which has been really nice. The longest I’ve rehearsed a play is six weeks and the shortest is three. 

2. Have you performed at the Rose Theatre Kingston before? 

No, I haven’t and I’m really looking forward to it. The river runs a few hundred yards from the stage door, so it’s a lovely setting for a scenic pre-show cafe stop. Any theatre good enough for Dame Judi is good enough for me…

3. Did you start your passion for acting whilst at Wellington College? 

Good research…yes I got very into acting whilst at Wellington. A friend and I directed ourselves in Sleuth and The Woman in Black in our last two years and were part of an improvised theatre group inspired by Gavin Robertson, who was an artist in residence.  

4. Do you prefer acting in television roles or live theatre? 

I really enjoy working across all media, what is it they say about variety and spice…too much of just one thing and I’ll be itching to do another. 

5. What are the most frustrating things about performing live? 

As a father of two young boys, I’d say the hours we work in theatre are not ideal for family life. Playing to small houses can be challenging... but that won’t be a concern at The Rose… will it!?

6. How aware of the audience are you? 

As I’m often playing comic roles I’m very aware of the audience. For me it’s like a first date each show… getting to know them, being relaxed, and not trying too hard to win them round. Hopefully, by the end of the night, you’re getting on great…

7. Do you have any urge to perform in a musical? If so which one?

My friends and agent know I fantasise about playing Thenardier in Les Miserables…one day maybe, I’ve got some work to do on my singing though. 

8. What are your top 5 things to do in London or indeed Hammersmith where you were born?

1 I really enjoy the buzz of Soho and the East End. 

2 The South Bank is a great place for a stroll. Fab 2nd handbook stall under Waterloo bridge by the NFI. 

3 We took our two boys (nearly 3-years-old and 1-year-old) to Kew Gardens on Sunday and it worked really well as a day out. 

4. As a mad keen England Rugby fan a match at Twickenham is my idea of a good day out. Last time I was there though it was a sea of green as Ireland won the Grand Slam…Happy St Patrick’s day Ireland!

5. A swim in the Serpentine or up on Hampstead Heath is a nice adventure…when the weather warms up.

Much Ado About Nothing will be at Rose Theatre Kingston from Fri 13 Apr – Sun 6 May. Tickets start from £10 and are available online, rosetheatrekingston.org, by phone, 020 8174 0090, or from the Box Office.