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Nick Haverson on seeing double

October 24, 2008

Audiences in Bolton are currently seeing double as Nick Haverson is playing two lead characters in Carlo Goldoni’s The Venetian Twins.

Nick trained at LAMDA. He has worked extensively in theatre around the country including Time with Alan Ayckbourn at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and John Godber at Hull Truck. Over the last few years he joined Improbable Touring The Hanging Man around the USA and Sydney Opera House; Theatre of Blood at the National Theatre; the Opera Satyagraha at the London Coliseum and the New York Met. Most recently he worked with Told by an Idiot on Beauty and the Beast at The Lyric, Hammersmith; Northern Stage on Ruby Moon, and Little Shop of Horrors at The New Wolsey Ipswich.

His most recently television credits include Thank God You’re Here (series), New Tricks and Spooks.

His film work includes Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, Hilary and Jackie, Susie Gold and the forthcoming cartoon film Tales of Despereux. He has also been voicing the cartoons Rocketboy, Hairy Scary, and the title role of Ratman.

Place Of Birth
Wymondham, Norfolk, 12/02/68

Lives now in
Peckham Rye, South East London

When did you first realise that you wanted to act?
I remember being cajoled by my drama teacher (Jeanie Sowler) to play the part of The Storyteller in The Snow Queen when I was 12 in the school play. I thought there were too many lines and refused, but she won me around. I couldn’t quite believe the audience reaction and the encouragement that followed – it planted the seed that if my other aspirations failed…that maybe the answer!

What would you have done professionally if you weren’t acting?
Those other aspirations were medical. I fancied being a surgeon but didn’t possess the academic prowess or (possibly more likely) aptitude to persevere in that field! However, it still interests me. Otherwise…well, the drummer in a successful rock band would’ve been nice.

Is there anyone you would still like to meet and why?
I’m only 40 so there’s plenty of time to meet those that I haven’t yet.

What do you like about performing on stage, compared with being in film or television?
You get to play, make mistakes, try different things and discover in the course of rehearsing the work. Time allows you to do that and so, personally, it becomes ultimately more fulfilling. On film and in TV, there is usually little time for any of that, you must start with a preconceived idea and hope it works. And I’m too often too scared to check if it did.

What attracted you to The Venetian Twins?
Paul Hunter, the director. He has energy and insight into what makes a play fun and exciting and visually stimulating. He asked me to look at the play and its anarchy and brilliant wit had me hooked. Throw in playing two contrasting looneys and it’s an offer that’s hard to refuse.

What was the last thing you saw on stage that you really enjoyed and why?
I remember seeing Coram Boy at the National and living its spectacle also The Pitman Painters a new play by Lee Hall by Live Theatre in Newcastle, brilliant writing and acting by the whole cast – inspirational.

And the first?
Was Yul Brynner in The King and I, the guy from Magnificent 7 on stage, wow! I was only 10 at the time. The first big stand up play for me however was the original production of Road at the Royal Court in 1986, utterly brilliant all round, and with Ian Dury singing in the interval.

If you could swap places with one person (living or dead) for a day, who would it be?
That’s tough. Neil Armstrong when he took those first steps, Gandhi, for his insight or maybe Angelina Jolie just to know what it feels like to be that hot!

Favourite books
I hate to say it but I’m quite hooked on Harry Potter books plus Jonathan Coe’s What a Carve Up, its brilliant!

Favourite after show haunts in Bolton and/or Manchester
I used to have 2 girlfriends in Manchester circa in 1989 when I believe The Hacienda was the place to be, but now, I haven’t got a clue! Though I pretty much enjoyed the food in the Olive Press in Bolton the other night. All ideas are welcome. Oh and the Hen and Chickens for a pint and Wednesday Quiz.

What can people expect from The Venetian Twins?
A fast anarchic, comedy an old classic with thoroughly modern translation, great characters, trampolines, and a fireman’s pole and if that isn’t enough to intrigue you come down for yourself and have a laugh on the way.

How challenging is it playing twins?
Physically I feel like I need a tank of oxygen backstage. The main thing is remembering which one you are, when and where you’ve just come from and it all happens so quickly you don’t have time to think twice.

Who has been your favourite co-star and why?
I did a play called Ruby Moon at the Northern Stage in Newcastle which was a two handler, Tilly Gaunt was my first co-star and she was brilliant, putting up with the various characterisations I had to inflict upon her. We worked so hard and well together on that show that I will never forget it. Plus it was the last time my mum saw me working and, I think, it was her favourite too.

Are there any roles you would still like to play and why?
Yes, the next one…whatever it is.

What are your plans when the play is over?
Rest. Sleep. Spend some time with my fiancé. And do a few more silly cartoon voices. I may have a wee break from the boards just to recoup my energy.

Nick Haverson plays The Venetian Twins at the Octagon Theatre until Saturday 15th November.

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