Interview with James Howard,
who plays Siegfried Sassoon in
Not About Heroes
What was your first acting experience?
I was born and brought up in Jersey in the
Channel Islands. Although it is a small island
there were plenty of opportunities for budding
actors, and I performed in many plays and
musicals for the local amateur companies. I was
introduced to poetry and Shakespeare by a
wonderful speech and drama teacher who
helped to lift the words off the page and bring
them to life.
What do you like most about your job?
Acting is a very precarious profession, but the
variety it offers has to be its most appealing
feature. I’ve been lucky to work on a huge range of projects, from a 3-year contract
with the Royal Shakespeare Company to appearances on TV, radio and film. Most
recently I was thrilled to work with Pierce Brosnan on a new movie called ‘Survivor’.
I’ve always loved Bond, and to meet and work with (arguably!) the best was a
career highlight!
What was it that enticed you to Not About Heroes?
I first read the play a few years ago and was gripped by the story and the power of
the script and the poetry. It’s a huge challenge for two actors to bring the
characters to life and to tell their stories over the course of the play, but it’s a
challenge which I can’t wait to take on! There is also something very special about
performing this piece 100 years on from the start of the First World War, and the
power of the story is something which I hope audiences will be very moved by.
As an actor, what are the challenges with taking on your role?
The sheer quantity of lines is very daunting! With only one other actor on stage,
there is a huge pressure to create a relationship that holds an audience enthralled
for two hours. But the power of the script and the incredible flashes of poetry which
appear throughout should be enough to help bring the story to life. Ben and I both
went the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, so we have both had a similar training and
we should be able to find a good connection both on and off stage.
What can audiences expect from the production?
It’s very early days, but talking initially to Eliot, the director, he was very keen to
use lighting, projection and sound to help create a suitable and atmospheric
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setting. Together with the power of the script, I hope audiences will feel engaged,
entertained, educated and enlightened by an incredibly moving story.
What are you looking forward to most?
I’m really excited about taking this production around the country and visiting towns
and theatres that will be new to me. It’s a challenging piece but I’m hoping the
reactions from audiences across the country will make it a new career highlight.
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