Blog - PTC

Are you mad?! — Steven Lee

Are you mad?! — Steven Lee

I’m often asked if I’m mad in relation to my artistic choices. Most commonly, I’m asked why I insist on creating original shows, rather than following the trusted — and far more profitable —method of adapting popular books and known titles. What can I tell you, I just can’t help myself. I’m in love with making up new stories. I write them so that I can see people in my audience and not merely dollar signs, so that I can attempt to make a real human connection and share a real human experience and, above all else, because I love it.

Theatre? I’d rather watch a movie — Steven Lee

Theatre? I’d rather watch a movie — Steven Lee

Your theatre is not just for Christmas. In spite of all your good intentions, you probably only go to the theatre on one or two occasions. And if it’s only one occasion, then that occasion is almost certainly pantomime. But theatre is there for you the whole year round and what’s more, if you enjoy your pantomime then here’s the good news: it gets better! Often, dare I say, waaaaay better. I mean, pantomime will entertain you with some great sketches and set pieces, framed by a story you know and trust, but over the course of the next eleven months there will be other stories on at your local theatre that will surprise you, delight you, and move you in ways you could barely imagine.

Good Parents Take Their Kids to The Theatre — Steven Lee

Good Parents Take Their Kids to The Theatre — Steven Lee

The vast majority of theatre for young people is interactive. Our stuff, by way of example, is tremendously interactive. In fact, I Spy With My Little Eye was created with child development experts to be a play that kids and their families can quite literally “play”. And that’s healthy. Not that your little ones would know it. It’s a bit like hiding vegetables in their bolognese. All they know is that they love it, and we can feel great about it because we know that they’re getting all the good stuff that they need to grow up happy and well. So family theatre is healthy, but I can’t emphasise enough that, above and beyond that, it is also brilliant fun.

Take a long-term view of your career — Louise McCarthy

Take a long-term view of your career — Louise McCarthy

Scottish BAFTA award winner Louise McCarthy is an all-singing, all-dancing actor and writer who has wowed in the West End; trodden the boards in productions at the National Theatre in Scotland and elsewhere; appeared on CBBC, BBC and ITV; and even popped up in The Witch’s Bogey! We are delighted that she is sharing her insights, top tips and mantras on focussing, adapting, and being bold!

How I Got To Hollywood and How you Can Too — Gil Darnell

How I Got To Hollywood and How you Can Too — Gil Darnell

Gil Darnell began acting with roles in Brookside, Hollyoaks, and Holby City before moving to Los Angeles. He credits the Ketel One ad campaign for transforming his career as he went on to star in other TV ads, including the Super Bowl ad of 2011 for Audi. His feature films include a cheeky role in Redirected alongside Vinnie Jones, and The Ghost Who Walks. You may have seen him on TV in the period drama Reign, the drama series Bones, or playing Hitler in Supernatural. One of life’s good guys, Gil has taken the time to share his story with us and offer some valuable advice to his fellow actors.

So You Want To Be An Actor? Christopher Cazenove

So You Want To Be An Actor? Christopher Cazenove

Christopher Cazenove worked extensively in film, television and on stage across the world, and was one of Britain’s finest, and most in demand, actors. His stage roles included main parts in Hamlet, Othello, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Sound of Music and My Fair Lady. On TV he was famed for his role as Ben Carrington in Dynasty, as well as starring in films Eye of the Needle, Heat and Dust, and A Knight’s Tale, among others. Asked if he preferred acting on stage, TV or film, he replied: “I like a combination of all three. If I had to choose one alone, I’d choose films, provided they were all in lovely places. I’ve been very lucky in the films that I’ve done”. We are delighted to share Christopher’s words with you.

Your Questions Answered – Tony Vincent

Your Questions Answered – Tony Vincent

Tony Vincent is one of the biggest stars in musical theatre today having taken West End and Broadway leads in We Will Rock You, Jesus Christ Superstar and Rent

We are thrilled to have Tony join our masterclass program.

Here he answers questions posed by members about a career in musical theatre.

Sustaining Your Career – Roy Hudd

Sustaining Your Career – Roy Hudd

After a lifetime in the industry, Olivier Award winning actor, writer and comedian Roy Hudd is quite simply a national treasure. His work in film, television, comedy and theatre is so extensive that only a brief summary is possible. He will however be known to many of you as Archie Shuttleworth in Coronation Street and for his portrayal of the spoonerism afflicted character Ben Baglin in Dennis Potter’s two television mini series Karaoke and Cold Lazarus.

Here he offers some advice on how to enjoy a long career.

Advice For The Aspiring Actor – Drew Mulligan

Advice For The Aspiring Actor – Drew Mulligan

Drew Mulligan Graduated from RADA in 1999 where he played Hamlet in his final year directed by William Gaskill. Since then he has starred in Peter Greenaway’s trilogy of films titled The Tulse Luper Suitcases, worked with Declan Donnellan in Antigone at the Old Vic, spent several seasons at the RSC and National Theatre and performed in venues across the UK. He is currently Head of Acting at The Institute of the Arts, Barcelona.

Here is his advice for the aspiring actor.

Working In Radio – Izzy Mant

Working In Radio – Izzy Mant

Izzy Mant is a producer of television scripted comedy, as well as a writer and comedian. As a producer her credits include GameFace (2017) (2019), Cuckoo (2012), starring Andie Macdowell (2019), The Windsors (2016) (2016-2017), and Peep Show (2003) (2008)

Here she passes on some tips for working in radio.

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