Orlando Wells

Orlando Wells starred as 'The Actor' in The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre

Birthday?
9th June

Place of birth?
Pembury, East Sussex

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
LAMDA

Briefly tell us how you became involved with The Woman in Black.
I auditioned.

Briefly tell us about the character you play in The Woman in Black.
The psychiatrists notes would read: an amiable but anxious young man prone to gabbling and hallucinations; particularly ponies, traps, small dogs and women who look like they've stepped out of the Scottish Widows advert. Possible issues with members of the opposite sex, cf. Freud/ Oedipus etc. Has a penchant for crows, graveyards and other assorted gothic ephemera.

Your first stage performance?
The goat in the navity play for Thomas's School, Fulham, circa 1979.

Career highlight to date?
See above!

Do you have a preference for stage or TV?
Both.

What roles would you most like to play?
If Ridley Scott/ James Cameron/ A.N.OtherBigHollywoodDirector ever told the story of, you know, Jesus I'd like to play Judas. No, really I would.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
Eagles may soar but weasles don't get sucked into jet engines.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage.
I recently had to act opposite a mannequin. I don't know whether that's embarrassing but it was certainly surreal.

What is the most annoying part about your job?
Well, it's not when the phone does ring.

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
A Claims Adjuster.

Favourite after-show haunts
Sofa. Wine. Newsnight.

Who are your favourite actors/actresses
That bloke in The Wire's quite good.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
James Lovelock. Maybe I'd say something pithy like, I hope you're wrong.

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favourite authors?
Sara Maitland's book on Silence. I have two young children.

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favourite movies?
Bob the Builder, the Legend of the Golden Hammer. See above.

Favourite TV programs?
I have started watching Mad Men. Mad Men is good. I'd like to be in Mad Men.

Do you have any hobbies?
Procrastinating.

Do you have any superstitions?
No.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
My wife, my son, my daughter and Ray Mears.

What are your future plans?
The Iron Man Triathlon, Hawaii, 2011.