YOUR THEATRE ACTOR
Name: Matthew Brooks.
Hometown: Rishton. Society: Oswaldtwistle Players.
Are you involved in any productions at the
moment?: I’m currently involved in Blackadder the Third, by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, which has been brilliantly brought to stage and directed by Erin Bátard.
Which character do you
play?: My character is George, the Prince Regent – a nice-but-dim master with very childlike tendencies. This is the iconic character that was played by the hilarious Hugh Laurie in the original TV series. We have had such a laugh in rehearsals and we can only hope that our audiences find it as funny as we do.
What do you most
enjoy?: I most enjoy warm sunny afternoons in the Mediterranean but unfortunately I’m in Great Harwood wondering if that slate came off my roof. Amateur dramaticswise, it’d have to be the getting into the theatre that I enjoy. On the Sunday before the show, the rehearsals begin on stage, this is always a really exciting part. Then the dress rehearsal and the actual show week performances begin… It’s a buzz, overcoming your fear and just doing it (like having a cold shower)! It’s exciting to see the set come together and then come to life each night through the efforts of the amazing volunteers. I do enjoy amateur dramatics and I’d like to encourage anyone (if they feel so inclined) to help out with their local theatre group. That’s either by going to the theatre or lending a hand with a group like ours’. New members of all levels of skill are always welcome. I am very grateful to Oswaldtwistle Players for the opportunities I have had so far.
Have you been in any
other productions?: I’ve been in a number of plays before at the Civic. Most notable is Accrington Pals, directed by Wendy Duggan. Who is you favourite actor and why?: Leonardo DeCaprio. His most memorable performances were in Blood Diamond, Shutter Island and The Beach.
If you could play any part what would it be
and why?: James Bond. Being all cool, drinking cocktails, smoking cigarettes, catching the bad guy and getting the girl. All while shooting rocket launchers, driving fast cars and rocking a suit. Any more information?: The four featured episodes will be Dish and Dishonesty, Ink and Incapability, Sense and Senility, Amy and Amiability. Blackadder the Third will be performed at The Civic Theatre and Arts Centre from Wednesday, April 25 to Saturday, April 28, at 7.30pm. Wednesday, April 25, tickets are £7.50 and Thurs - Sat, £9 and £8.50 concession. Book by calling into the Civic, ringing 01254 398319 or book online at ticketsource.co.uk/oswplayers
Could you be our Baldrick?: Oswaldtwistle Players have a really strong cast for our exciting new April production Blackadder The Third. The only role not cast as yet is Baldrick. We can promise a lot of laughs. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7pm and the show is on Wednesday, April 25 to Saturday, April 28 at The Civic Theatre. If you would like to be considered for this role please email info@oswaldtwistleplayers.co.uk or call Erinn Batard on 07804734862.