Kevin McNally

Kevin McNally currently plays 'David Bliss' in Hay Fever at Noel Coward Theatre

Place of birth?
Bristol UK

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

Briefly tell us how you became involved with "Hay Fever"?
I was in Los Angeles doing a guest spot on CSI and feeling a little homesick. I was offered the part but didn't know the play. I went to Barnes and Noble at the Grove and bought a copy. I read it twice and told my wife that I had no idea how to do this role. She said that was a great reason to do it. She was right. It's good to step out of your comfort zone whenever you can.

Briefly tell us about the character of David Bliss that you play in Hay Fever?
No. Come and see the show.

Your first stage performance?
No. I have been on stage before... Oh I see... Amateur; the sun in the school harvest festival play in 1963. Professionally; Boy king Ptolemy in Caesar and Cleopatra, Birmingham Rep 1972.

Career highlight to date?
Hay Fever at the Noel Coward Theatre running through June 3rd.

What roles would you most like to play?
Vanya, Falstaff and ones that have yet to be written.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
Love unconditionally.

What is the most annoying part about your job?
The occasional inappropriate ego.

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
Astrophysics for sure.

Favourite after-show haunts
Cafe Koha. Bed with Mrs McNally and a good book.

Who are your favourite actors/actresses
Doug Hodge and Phyllis Logan

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
I would tell Adolf Hitler to stick to the painting.

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favourite authors?
How Music Works by John Powell. Brian Cox, Richard Dawkins, Ursula LeGuin, P.G. Wodehouse.

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favourite movies?
Bridesmaids. I am very fond of the seventies independent film makers. To see the work of Coppola, Scorsese, Ashby and Schatzberg on their first release was a thrill. The great film just kept on coming.

Favourite TV programs?
Downton Abbey. What else?

Favourite holiday destinations?
Anywhere I haven't already been.

Do you have any hobbies?
Just started collecting space flown objects from project Gemini.

Do you have any superstitions?
No

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Mortar & Pestle, a small stove and a good set of knives.

What are your future plans?
Spend my winters in LA and my summers in London doing great theatre please.