Brief Encounter with … Wanted! Robin Hood's Ciaran Kellgren

Here, we catch up with Ciaran Kellgren and find out more about his career and robbing the rich to feed the poor.

Why did you want to be an actor?

Both my parents worked in the theatre. I grew up around people who worked in different aspects of the "entertainment industry". I wanted to be doing something in this industry and so applied to drama school. I originally wanted to work back-stage but didn’t have the organisational skills, concentration, and too much of an ego!

You're back at the Library Theatre Company, what do you like about the company?

The Library Theatre Company is like a family. There are no airs and graces. Everyone plays their part and works together. If you can be part of a company like that, one that constantly produces top productions, you want to be part of it. I’m honoured and proud to be invited back.

How does this production differ from a large scale piece like Peter Pan for an actor?

Peter Pan was a one of a kind. It was a massive budget show in a tent in Kensington Gardens mixing CGI with stage acting. We had 25 in the cast and the stage was over twice the size of what we have for Wanted! Robin Hood, and in the round. Wanted! Robin Hood is a much more intimate show. We have a tight ensemble of eight actors playing all the parts. There’s a lot more detail in the whole production, mainly due to the lack of flying.

Christmas productions attract families to theatres. Do you adapt your performance to appeal to all ages?

Charles Way has written a script that is for the whole family. I like to think of it as a ‘PG’ film. It’s got the same feeling as a Disney film, and family Christmas films like Home Alone. There’s fun for everyone, from kids to grandparents. It’s all in his script. We, the actors, play it like we would any play and our director Amy Leach guides us. She has stopped the play being an ‘18′, which we could easily have made it if left without supervision! Amy keeps the rehearsal room light and fun. We all know we’re in good hands with Amy and her team.

You're performing loads over Christmas, but what are your plans for the Festive season apart from Wanted! Robin Hood?

I’m back in the north west. This is my home. I’m spending it with my oldest friends and family. I couldn’t be happier.

Why should people come and see the show?

It’s going to be good, really good. Amy’s Christmas show here last year, Arabian Nights, was a massive success. Wanted! Robin Hood is selling really well. It’ll be a brilliant afternoon or evening out for the family, or day out if you’re flying solo at Christmas. I’d see it!

Wanted! Robin Hood, presented by the Library Theatre Company at The Lowry in Salford, opens on Friday 29 November. More information here.