A Conversation With A West End Personality- Gareth Tempest
I am fortunate to have so many acquaintances and friends both in training and within the theatre industry, Gareth Tempest is just one of them from my hometown. Currently playing Mitch Ruscitti in the smash hit play 'Comedy About a Bank Robbery' the Criterion Theatre in London's West End. When I approached Gareth with my questions he was more than happy to answer.
Pantomime or Play?
The truth is I just love stories and storytelling and plays and Pantomime both have special places in my heart for different reasons. I think pantomime can be very quickly written off as a bit of silly fluff in a lot of acting circles, and in many ways it is. However it also serves a really key role in terms helping to keep theatres alive and breeding a new generation of performers. Most regional theatre’s can only afford to survive because of the huge boost in ticket sales from their Christmas show, which is often a panto, and in modern society what better way is there to engage children, who have the wold at their fingertips, than through giving them a story that they feel they influence and control over. A lot of the devices we take for granted as adults such as ‘He’s behind you’ for children are key plot points that give them a way in to the story and help them engage with theatre and give them an enjoyment of it. For a lot of children a pantomime is their first experience of theatre and I think it’s a wonderful way of introducing them to it.
And then plays are, and always have been, a wonderful way of telling stories and spreading ideas; helping people escape and explore different ways of thinking. The idea that you can take a piece of cloth and transform it into an Ocean or take a or a chair and some buttons and thread and make a space ship is so wonderful and magical; and I just want to continue to make and be involved with theatre that tells stories and inspires people for as long as I can.
Theatre or Cinema?
I love the theatre. I did a lot of work at the Dolman Theatre in Newport growing up. From flying shows and building sets to cleaning the toilets and ripping tickets. It was like a second home to me. As much as I love cinema I think theatre will always be where my heart lies.
Drama or Comedy?
I love them both for different reasons, depending on my mood, but I love to laugh so if I had to choose I think I’d pick comedy.
What was the first musical you performed in? And how old were you?
The first musical I performed in was called Honk! I was eleven years old and I played Greylag the Goose.
What is your favourite musical/play?
My favourite musical for a long time was Children of Eden but now it seems to change every week! I’m a big fan of Phantom of the Opera, The Brides of Maddison County, Big Fish basically just most musicals haha.
List your theatre credits and roles played.
Mitch - Comedy About A Bank Robbery
Jack- Jack and The Beanstalk
Glanton- Dagestan
White Rabbit/ Tweedle Dum- Adventures in Wonderland
Dick- Dick Whittington
Angelo- Comedy of Errors Ross
Macbeth- Tishka
It’ A Family Affair- (We’ll Settle It Ourselves)
Do you have any pre show rituals?
I don’t really have anything in particular I do. The show is very demanding so I do a full vocal and physical warm up which is about 30/ 40 minutes so I guess that’s as close to a pre- show ritual as I get. We’ve got a very relaxed dressing room so we just have a nice vibe and a lot of jokes before the show to relax us into it.
Do you have any guilty pleasures?
Fried Chicken. I love fried chicken.
What do you do when you are off from a show?
I rest. The show’s are very physically demanding so generally I have to crash out on the day off but sometimes I like to have little adventures around London go to an exhibit or explore somewhere I’ve never been.
Describe yourself in three words.
Hard working, silly, mischievous
What is your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment professionally, was probably the first time I stood out on the stage on the West End. It was always my dream and so getting to do that was really a lovely moment and something I’ll never forget.
Dream part of the opposite sex?
Elphaba-
Where did you train?
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School
Who has been your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration has probably been my family. My mother and sister are incredibly strong and passionate women and I’ve learnt and owe so much to both of them.
What advice would you give aspiring performers/auditions/recalls?
Have fun! It’s so easy to think that audition panel is against you and wants you to fail but that isn’t true.
Try thinking of it in terms of the audition panel has a problem; They need to cast the show or fill those places at the drama school, they want you to be the solution that problem! Everyone in that room wants you to do a good job they’re all on your side.
There are so many factors that go into casting a part or offering out places at drama school so if it doesn’t happen just keep trying and never be afraid to ask for help. If I hadn’t had help auditioning for drama school I would never have gotten in; and even with auditions now my friends and I read and practise with each other so that you make sure you’re at your best when you get in the room.
If you could have your own musical/play who would you want to headline it?
John Owen Jones and Sierra Boggess
What was the last production you saw?
Adventures in Wonderland.
If you could pick your ultimate role to play what would it be?
Phantom or Simba.
Do you have any further projects to look out for?
I’m on the board of trustees for a charity called Christmas for Kids who take a show to Children’s hospices during the festive period. It’s a wonderful charity visiting hospices all over the UK and this year we’re having three show teams and they’ll be performing a script that I’ve written. To lean more about the charity and how to support us visit our website http://www.christmasforkids.org.uk or follow us on twitter @xmasforkids
Social media links.
Twitter: @garethtempest
@Xmasforkids
Instagram: @garethtempest
Huge thank you to Gareth Tempestt for taking time out of his schedule to chat with me. Remember you can see Gareth in 'A Comedy About a Bank Robbery' purchase tickets http://www.thecomedyaboutabankrobbery.com