Gerard McCarthy, is best known for his award-winning performances as Kris Fisher on ‘Hollyoaks’, and Kevin McSwain in BBC 2’s BAFTA nominated drama ‘The Fall’ His theatre credits include: Beautiful Thing (Nottingham Playhouse and Leicester Curve); Blue/Orange (Brighton Theatre Royal); The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare’s Globe); Mamma Mia! (Prince Edward Theatre) and Saturday Night Fever (Apollo Victoria Theatre).
I say down with Gerard to have a chat about his new show STALKING THE BOGEYMAN at the Southwark Playhouse…
For those who may not be familiar with Stalking The Bogeyman can you tell me what the show is about and the character that you play?
Stalking The Bogeyman is the true story of David Hothouse, an incredibly brave man who was raped when he was 7 years old. It explains how the events of that night, when he was just a child, went on to shape every other aspect of his life, culminating in his carefully crafted plan to murder his rapist 25 years later. It’s a profoundly moving and raw piece of theatre and I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to play David. It’s very special to me.
Your career so far has been quite varied, encompassing television roles, film and a variety of different types of theatre. Do you have any dream roles that you would like to play over the years to come?
That list is very long! I have loads of things I want to do… I’d love to play Chris in ‘All My Sons’, Bobby in ‘Company’, Gar in ‘Philadelphia, Here I Come!’, Salieri in ‘Amadeus’, Edward in ‘Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me’, Willy Loman, The Phantom…. I mean the list is endless. Most of them will probably remain “dream roles” but if I get a stab at a few of them I’ll be happy.
There are lots of exciting shows coming to London in 2016. Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to seeing?
I’m looking forward to ‘The Plough & The Stars’ at The National, Ken Branagh in ‘The Entertainer’ and ‘SideShow’ here at Southwark Playhouse.
If you could be the opposite sex for the day, what theatre role would you love to have a go at playing?
Oh, that’s a tough question…. just the one? Ok, it would have to be Blanche in ‘Streetcar’…. but give me a couple of years first. I don’t want to attempt it just yet! Haha
Back in May you caused a bit of a stir on social media, labelling bloggers as “bitchy old queens who never made a career as a performer and now pose as theatre critics” which understandably caused a bit of a stir in the blogging community. How does it affect you as a performer in this social media age where anyone with a Twitter account thinks they can judge your work. Do you think people forget that words sometimes hurt and should think more before they tweet?
I didn’t label bloggers at all. I just pointed out that there were a number of “Bitchy old queens who never made a career as a performer now posing as theatre critics”, which true. It’s not about “comments hurting”, most actors I know have got skin like a rhino and that’s part of our job, but if you want to come and share our work, then do it with respect. If your “review” is just a nasty, bitter rambling then expect to be called out for it. Credit where it’s due though, the majority of theatre bloggers have an incredible love and passion for the theatre that will be welcomed with open arms by theatres, actors & producers alike …. but there are a handful I’d much prefer were kept outside to stew in their own bile. There’s no place for them inside a theatre.
Why do you think people should come to see Stalking The Bogeyman at the Southwark Playhouse?
It’s a genuinely moving, thought provoking piece of theatre. It really opens up a whole conversation and lifts the lid on a subject that we tend to shy away from in this country. Unfortunately, people like The Bogeyman can only survive if we continue to remain silent and this play gives a voice to all the children who were afraid to speak up.
Thanks for having Tea With Wilma
STALKING THE BOGEYMAN plays at the Southwark Playhouse until 6 August 2016
