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We know you’re a Bolton lad, where abouts did you grow
up?
I grew up in Darcy Lever. My
parents moved to this country from Ireland in1967 and my brothers and
Sister and I were all born over here in Bolton.
What school did you go to?
I went to St Osmund’s catholic
primary, then Thornleigh Salesian College and Sixth Form.
Can you tell us about your
earliest acting experience?
My first role was aged 9,
Oliver Twist! I sang!!
What have been any particular
performance highlights between then and Passion for Bolton?
Where do I start?? I enjoy every
part I play and I constantly seek out new and interesting challenges. I
suppose my personal favourite is playing the title role in a little
known play called ‘The Mysterious Mr Love’ a few years back. Way out of
my comfort zone as this was based on a true story about a bigamist who
turned to murder for financial gain! The look on the audiences faces
every night was priceless as the realisation hit them about who this
seemingly charming man really was.
What has been your biggest
challenge as an actor?
I suppose my biggest challenge
is with myself. I’m not a particularly confident person and certainly
not a natural show-off/performer! The most fulfilling part for me is
seeing something go from page to its readiness for performance.
What have you been in most
recently?
I was in a play called ‘Humble
Boy’ at Whitefield Garrick with Caroline Weekes (Mary Magdalene) from
the production team who is a very talented actor too.
What else do you enjoy aside
from acting?
I couldn’t live without music,
anything and everything. I also love watching as many plays as I can
when funds permit! I’m also a Bolton Wanderers fan but I hope people
don’t hold that against me! And we are going to win the FA Cup.
Do you feel privileged/honoured
to be performing on the Town Hall steps in your home town?
Of course I do. Bolton Town Hall
is one of my earliest memories of childhood and I vividly remember
being terrified and fascinated in equal measure at the scale of the
building and the lions at the top. To think we are going to be
performing on that stage in just a few weeks is almost too surreal for
words!
Are you/do you ever get nervous?
Yes I do although it doesn’t
usually last. If I do my work correctly and focus in the right way,
then I’m usually okay once we get under way. I think nerves are healthy
for an actor.
Can you tell us about your
relationship with the Artistic Director, Geoff Millard?
We mutually dislike each other
but put on a show for others! Seriously though, I’ve known Geoff for
about 10 years now and I love his bones. He’s been there for me through
tough times and I respect him as an actor and a director. A true
gentleman, I love him.
Are you religious?
I was born and raised a
Catholic. Like many others, I am a work in progress.
Do you have any previous
experience playing Jesus?
I do not. Weirdly, playing the
part of Jesus was always on my ‘actor wish list’ and in all honesty, I
thought the chance might have passed me by.
What do you feel is most
important when portraying Jesus?
I gave this a lot of thought
when I was given the chance as everyone has ‘their’ Jesus in their own
mind. I had to make an actor’s decision as to how I was going to
portray Him. I decided that I wanted His humanity to come across most
of all. I thought lots about how He was as a man and how He overcame
the massive challenges life presented to Him. I hope I did okay.
What do you feel you
particularly can bring to the role?
A difficult question. I hope I can bring a warmth and
humanity. I don’t want Jesus to seem distant and unreachable. I hope
people feel they understand Jesus a little better than before.
Have you enjoyed working with
the cast?
I’ve loved every second. I know
this may seem a little cheesy but I make no apologies for that. Seeing
people grow in confidence and blossom in performance has brought me
more satisfaction than anything. I hope I’ve made some friends for life.
What has been your favourite
part of the Passion for Bolton process so far?
From a personal point of view,
I think it has probably been the filming we have done for the big
screens. I have actor friends who find the process of filming
unbearable but I still find it fascinating. Challenging in a different
way but ultimately very rewarding. Thanks have to go to Chris Gallimore
and his team for their willingness to listen to people and their
incredible patience. Thank you guys.
What are you still looking
forward to?
Well obviously the big day
itself, but I am determined to try and enjoy every second of every
rehearsal that we have left.
How do you think you will feel
come the morning of Sunday April 24th?
I daren’t think about it! The
Passion has become such a big part of my life that I know it will leave
a big hole which I haven’t a clue as to how I’ll fill. Apart from being
able to have a shave and cut my hair, I can’t think of anything else
positive about the end.
Finally, why do you think that
everyone should come and watch Passion for Bolton?
I may be biased but Bolton has
truly never seen anything like this before. Dozens of people have
worked incredibly hard to make this happen and I just hope and pray
that the people of Bolton turn out and support all of us.
Thankyou for your time Jog.
My absolute pleasure!
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