Interviews Hugh Holman by DJ Forrest

Hi Hugh Thanks for the opportunity of the interview

Hugh: Hello! Not at all, happy to answer your questions.

Had you seen Torchwood prior to your walk on part?

Hugh: I hadn’t, as my episode was in the first series, so it hadn’t begun airing when I filmed it. Being a fan of Doctor Who, though, I was aware that Torchwood was happening, and what it was.

Have you played other characters in the Series?

Hugh: I had a background role as a British soldier in an episode involving World War I, perhaps ‘To the Last Man’.

Are you from a family of actors, is Helen Holman related?

Hugh: Helen is my sister, yes, and she is also an actor. My brother, Michael, is a photographer. My mum enjoys acting occasionally, and my dad has been in a few am-dram productions over the years.

What was your first ever role that secured your desire to continue in the acting profession?

Hugh: I started acting while I was at school, and I always loved it, and from that moved into theatre. I don’t think there was a specific part that made me realise I wanted to pursue acting, but one of my first screen roles was as Prince Charles IX of France, and that was so much fun.

How far would you travel for a role?

Hugh: As far as I need to, depending on the role — and what travel expenses are covered!

How do you fill your time during periods of resting, or in between scenes?

Hugh: I am also a writer. My debut children’s book — The Almost Animals — came out a couple of years ago, and I’ve been working on other projects since. It fits around acting perfectly, even when I’m on set, I’ll have my notebook with me, and I can be writing. Recently I have also been narrating audiobooks.

Have you worked on stunts?

Hugh: No, I don’t have the training for that (which is intense and rigorous, and a career of its own). I have been involved in special actions, for example, during sword fights, but actual stunts are a different beast.

What job did you have prior to becoming an actor?

Hugh: Nothing substantial. I studied zoology at university, but I always planned on being an actor. My interest in natural history led me to work with Bristol Zoo for a while, and Australia Zoo.

Did you study at Uni or college for a career in acting and is it wiser to have qualifications to become an actor these days?

Hugh: I planned to go to drama school, but I wanted an academic degree first, so as I mentioned, I studied zoology. After graduating, I got a couple of acting gigs, and didn’t want to stop. Perhaps I will try for an Acting MA sometime. I did engage in many workshops and courses, and still do, most recently at the Bristol Old Vic — a wonderful drama school. Continued training and development is important. Obtaining a degree from an accredited drama school is not vital, but it is the best start to a career in performance.

What role would you like to play if the opportunity arose?

Hugh: There are lots, but I always struggle to answer this question well. Maybe ask me again when I’ve written one for myself!

Have you ever played a character in Doctor Who?

Hugh: Yes, I had a role as a Roman slave in ‘The Fires of Pompeii’, which is the episode that Peter Capaldi was in way before he became the Doctor. In fact, his character owned my character. Lovely chap though.

Do you enjoy sci fi/horror and would you play more in this or do you enjoy variety?

Hugh: I love sci-fi, and horror, but especially sci-fi, so yes, I always want to do it. Having said that, I do enjoy variety (as most actors do), and I would never want to be stuck in one genre.

Thanks so much for the interview Hugh.

Hugh: You are more than welcome.