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.
