Interviews Ryan Lee Conway by DJ Forrest

You were only 14 when you played the role of Mugsy in Summer Scars, which was out in the same year as Torchwood, Ghost Machine, have you done any other acting other than those listed on IMDB?

Ryan: On my IMDb it does not state all of my acting credits. I have been in three episodes of Doctor Who which starred Christopher Eccleston as the Doctor and Billie Piper as Rose.

I was also lucky enough to land a role in a film called Crusade in Jeans in which I was an extra but was lucky enough to travel to Croatia, Luxembourg and Berlin in the 6 weeks holiday all paid for. It was a great experience.

Have also starred in TV adverts and a Welsh programme called Treflan. I mainly do theatre now; my latest project was a play called Pornography by writer Simon Stephens.

When did you get the acting bug, and what was your first production?

Ryan: I didn't really know when I started at Pete’s Workshop/Atsli Casting that I wanted to act. I saw it as fun, but soon realised I had a passion for it and also, I was pretty good at it too. My first role was as an extra in Treflan.

If you’re no longer an actor, what do you do?

Ryan: I teach in an acting agency now, which I attended when I was a kid so it's great to get the feel of the place from behind the scenes. It's also good to give my wisdom to the kids that I teach.

How did you get the role in Torchwood?

Ryan: I got the role in Torchwood from my agent. I believe a casting agent come to my acting workshop and asked me to read the lines and liked my look. Next thing I know I was having a cup of tea with John Barrowman. It was all very surreal.

In an interview you did back in 2006, with MJ Simpson (SFX), about the character Mugsy in Summer Scars, you said you were in a few episodes of Doctor Who - which episodes were these, as there was no mention on IMDB about this.

Ryan: Not sure on the exact episode names in Doctor Who. I was a blue alien in one episode and the other episode I was an orphan starring alongside a little boy who always said ‘Are You My Mummy?’ and wore a gas mask. I was very young. I was about 10/11 it was a long time ago.

You were in Cardiff Pride with the banner for the Cardiff Dragons - is this team professional or amateur league?

Ryan: Cardiff Dragons is Wales’ only LGBT football team. I am social secretary so I arrange all the after match social along with the Christmas, Halloween and other parties. It is the ten-year anniversary next year so I’m looking to put on a big event in Jury's Inn which should be fabulous. It is football for all. Everyone is welcome regardless of orientation and gender.

How do you relax when you’re not working, or playing football or organising social events for the Cardiff Dragons?

Ryan: I like to relax by laying back with a nice box set. Like any average Joe really I'm a big fan of Grey's anatomy. It always brings a tear to my eye.

On your website, it said you'd been involved in theatre as well as films and television, listing Annie and High School Musical, along with an adaptation of Machine Gunners, are you working on more theatre productions, and are they in and around Cardiff, or do you travel further afield?

Ryan: Not got any theatre projects on at the moment. I am currently concentrating on teaching kids film and television acting. I do help out on shows for unknown theatre sometimes.

I saw the trailer for Summer Scars also starring Ciaran Joyce, and was that your brother in the film too or just coincidence that he shares the same surname?

Ryan: Yes, my brother was also involved in the acting agency. He was also involved in the film, it was a tad annoying as every audition we would be going head to head. Also, another guy that was always there was a well-known actor called Craig Roberts of the film Submarine.

Do you ever keep in touch with the people you act with, and ever meet up for reunions of any shows you've been in?

Ryan: I have met up with a few of the cast from Summer Scars. Not recently though. It's been a few years. We do exchange emails.

Have you ever watched any of the programmes you've appeared in, prior to your role, and perhaps afterwards?

Ryan: I watched Torchwood and Doctor Who so it was good to be involved in such well-known shows.

As an actor, what role would you like to play in either television, film or theatre production?

Ryan: I would love to star in Grey's anatomy I love dramatic acting.... I know it is in America but a guy can wish.

He can indeed. Thank you so much for the interview Ryan, it’s been an absolute pleasure to catch up with you.