Rupert Hill … Future Me

How did you get involved in Future Me?

I got the script sent to me via my agent (who was a little wary about the subject matter) and completely fell in love with the script. I learned the entire part for the audition. I really wanted to get it.

What’s the play about?

The play essentially is about what it is to exist. Of course that’s too broad an idea, so it deals with many themes – forgiveness, hope, love, reponsibilty, etc all set around the life of a paedophile.

Would you say it has universal resonance?

Of course. I really believe that if any piece of art doesn’t have universal resonance it isn’t a truly good piece of art

For people who’ve never been to Only Connect before, how would you describe it?

Only connect is intimate. An essential quality to this production. The audience need to be right there with the cast, so they can be directly challanged and questioned. It’s a lovely space.

You’re known primarily for your roles in soaps, are you keen to move away from that now?

Yes, but not through any actor snobbery. I loved doing my TV work, and I had a ball. But I profoundly felt that the time had come to try other things. I don’t really give a damn about taking a pay cut to do theatre. I just really missed it. And this role has been a dream come true for me.

Did you find it difficult to adjust to the different demands of theatre?

Yes, of course. It’s practically a different art form to screen acting. But I did train in theatre studies and fortunately the fire hadn’t gone completely out. Guy Retallack really managed to take me out of my comfort zone and he taught me the value of sometimes playing against your instincts. I’m indebted to him.

What have you got lined up next?

Another play (thankfully – it’s a difficult time for actors, like everyone else) it’s a two hander called Deceptions. Starring Michelle Collins and myself. Michelle plays a therapist and I play a patient. Many mind and status games ensue toward an explosive finale. I’ve also opened a pub in Manchester – the Castle Hotel. It’s a beautiful pub that’s been around since 1776. And I’m recording my band’s debut album, you can hear tracks at www.myspace.com/theyellowdogband

Future Me continues at Only Connect until 26 April. For more info, click here