Can you tell us about your role at OHP this year?

I am playing the detestable Doctor Bartolo. He is the guardian of Rosina, who is determined to marry her. He is academically very bright (he is a doctor after all!) but lacks emotional and social intelligence. A textbook misogynist, Bartolo believes he is entitled to Rosina, purely because he is a man. 

What excites you most about this role?

I’ve never played a villain before! I’m very excited to be able to play a character that is the polar opposite to me! 

Having performed in our Chorus in Rigoletto in 2023, what are you most looking forward to about being a part of the Young Artists scheme?

Being able to work alongside the incredible Stephen Gadd! He was inspirational in the rehearsal room last year so I really feel like I’m going to be learning from the best! 

Do you have a favourite OHP memory from last summer?

About a week before rehearsals started I got an email from our company manager, Beth Hoare-Barnes, asking if I was okay being hit in the face with a cream pie! It was at that moment I knew this production was going to be a fun one!

How do you intend to approach playing a character much older than you?

I like to start with the physicality of the character. How does he walk? What is his posture like? Those quirks are what brings a character to life, young or old!

What is one piece of advice, musical or otherwise, that you’ve been given that has stayed with you?

Sometimes it’s acceptable to take the low offer on The Chase…but no one will forgive you if you take the minus.

 

Find out more about The Barber of Seville here.