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Rupert Hill talks to WOS Manchester

June 13, 2008

Rupert Hill has traded life on the cobbled streets of Coronation Street for the Wigan Casino, as he takes on the role of Eugene in the hugely popular exploration of the Northern Soul scene; Once Upon A Time In Wigan at The Octagon. Re-worked by Nick Martin, the show now features live music, as opposed to the sound of the famous long players.

As Jamie Baldwin, Rupert garnered quite a following, but he clearly enjoys performing on stage, juggling his acting career with his passion for music, via his band.

We caught up with Rupert and he talks about the challenges of performing in such a well loved piece as Wigan. He also talks about life on the street, his band Yellow Dog and Stephen Fry.

Place Of Birth
Southampton

Lives now in
Manchester

When did you first realise that you wanted to act?
When I was 3 I acted in my first play, I was a Inn Keeper (one of the great 3 year old keepers). Apparently I told my mum, there and then, that I wanted to keep doing it (act).

What would you have done professionally if you weren’t acting or performing in your band?
I don’t know. I’d probably try writing novels and scripts, or directing. I don’t have an academic bone in my body and I’ve only ever excelled in the arts, so it would have to be creative.

Is there anyone you would still like to meet and why?
I have many heroes like Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Woody Allen, Martin Scorsese etc…but I don’t believe meeting them would do their legend any favours. So I suppose I’d have to say Stephen Fry (who I have actually met). I would love to meet him again; I believe he represents the best qualities of this country.

What do you like about performing on stage, compared with being in a soap opera like Coronation Street?
Coronation Street was great, and I learned so much, and had a fantastic time, but the word “live” isn’t similar to “alive” by coincidence. I can’t describe the bizarre journey you undertake on stage, it is unique and mind-blowingly beautiful.

Once Upon A Time In Wigan has such a devoted following, were you scared of taking it on, to begin with?
Too right. We’re dealing with a subject very dear to people’s hearts but I wouldn’t have taken the job if I felt I couldn’t do it justice. I went in with great respect for the subject material.

What was the last thing you saw on stage that you really enjoyed and why?
The Glass Menagerie at the Royal Exchange, Manchester, with a superb performance from Brenda Blethyn, and a fantastic supporting cast. Quality theatre.

And the first?
I suppose something my mum would have been in. she did amateur dramatics, and I always went to watch.

If you could swap places with one person (living or dead) for a day, who would it be?
Either Gordon Brown, to see how mental it feels to be running the country, or one of the astronomers on the space station out there. I think being in space must be very humbling experience. We could all use a bit of that now and again.

Favourite books
Lolita – perfectly formed, witty and beautiful. All Martin Amis books, especially London Fields, nobody captures modern Britain so well. Amis is the funniest, darkest and most courageous writer alive.

Favourite after show haunts in Bolton and/or Manchester
Temple and Big Hands in Manchester. And recently I’ve started going to Trof at The Deaf Institute on Oxford Road in Manchester. I’m promoting a night there starting on July 6th (Indie music) check out www.retox.org.uk (shameful publicity).

What can people expect from Once Upon A Time In Wigan Live?
It’s just a belting show. It’s funny, the music is amazing and it tells a cracking story. It’s sad and heart-warming together. It literally is a cross between a gig and a play.

Why do think the show is so popular?
I suppose theatre can be very serious and intimidating, and this isn’t, it’s just very enjoyable.

What do you feel about search for a star shows like X Factor and I’d Do Anything? Performers often berate the shows if they did not take this route. What’s your take on them?
I hate them. Sure they are funny and entertaining, but art should be sacred. There is too much lost talent out there to be pre-occupied with these kind’s of “star shows”. And putting children through that ‘Oliver’ fiasco is just cruel. Imagine the grief kids get at school when they lose.

Who has been your favourite co-star and why?
My lovely girlfriend Jenny Platt (Violet from Corrie) we started out as friends and so have a great foundation as a couple. She makes me laugh a lot.

What’s your favourite soul song from the show and why?
“I’m On My Way” by Dean Parish, what a tune, the final song of the show. My band is playing Bestival this year and I might try a cover version.

Richard Oldham played Eugene previously. How does your take on him differ?
I’ve no idea, I didn’t see Ric’s, but he is a fantastic actor, so I’m kind of glad I didn’t see him do it. I’d be a bit intimidated I think.

Are there any roles you would still like to play and why?
Many, many, many. I feel like I’ve just started acting. I’m the new boy. I want to play everyone at the moment.

What are your plans when the play is over?
I’ve a few gigs with my band lined up and hopefully some more acting work. Check out my band at www.myspace.com/theyellowdogband (sorry!)

Rupert Hill was talking to Glenn Meads.

Once Upon A Time In Wigan Live! is currently playing at the Bolton Octagon until 28th June.

www.octagonbolton.co.uk

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