My Theatre Firsts: A View From the Bridge's Michael Brandon

Michael Brandon is playing Alfieri in the upcoming UK tour of Arthur Miller's A View from the Bridge from Touring Consortium Theatre Company, which opens tonight in Nottingham. Brandon played Dempsey in cult 80's TV series Dempsey and Makepeace, and on stage originated the role of Jerry Springer in Jerry Springer the Opera and has also appeared in Speed-the-Plow and On the Waterfront.

We caught up with him to find out a few of his Theatre Firsts.

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1. What was the first show you went to?
My roommate during acting school in NYC got the first lead in Hair. It was done at the Cheetah, a West Side club. His name was Walker Daniels and he was the first Berger. I went several times – it was an amazing show that became a classic of the time. This was pre-Broadway; there were more great songs in the show then that were cut for Broadway.

2. When did you first decide to become an actor?
I was studying Law at night and working in the cosmetic business during the day. I was truly unhappy, and a blind date listened to my complaints and laughed at my telling of my life situation. She said "you know, you should be an actor or a comedian". I heard the bell and the new round of my life begin. I said "yes, that’s what I want to be".

3. Who was the first actor you were inspired by?
Marlon Brando: his performance in On the Waterfront.

4. What was your first professional theatrical role?
I auditioned for a national tour of The Rainmaker. I went in doing a Burt Lancaster impersonation and the director said "good Burt, but I think you would make a perfect Jimmy Curry". I played the part in the dinner theatre tour, having to serve dinner and drink setups to the audience sitting in the round. Then the dinner service was cleared and the stage dropped on four poles and we performed. However, that didn’t stop some folks from asking us for more ice for their drinks during the show.

5. How did you react to your first review?
It was amazing! Absolute vindication that what I was dreaming of was possible and worthwhile; newcomer steals the show! I sent them to family and to agents all over New York city. I was a hit.

6.What was the first piece of advice you were given in your acting career?
Don’t act unless you have to.

7. Which is the first word that comes to your head when I say theatre?
Why can’t I get sleep at home like I get in the theatre? Or, A View from the Bridge, which I am in rehearsal for at this moment.

8. If you were directing A View from the Bridge, who is the first person you would think of to cast in your role?
If I was directing, Penelope Cruz.

9. What is the first thing you will do when your run in A View from the Bridge comes to an end?
Shave off the moustache.

10. If you could choose any role that you would like to take on next, what is the first that comes to mind?
A play I did a few years ago, practically a two-hander, that got rave reviews and was one of, if not the, best roles I ever played. It was written by Oliver Cotton and called Wet Weather Cover. We moved from the King's Head into the Arts Theatre and the night after press night, (all good reviews by the way) the theatre was closed down and we were stuck without a place to play. It was something bizarre, out of the movie The Producers. It deserves another life and I would jump for the opportunity.

A View from the Bridge is touring the UK until 2 May 2015