In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Michael Simkins, who’s currently playing Mr. Harrington-Bahr in Act One and Hugo McCoyd in Act Two in Backstairs Billy at the Duke of York’s Theatre.
Find out more about Michael and his career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
Route One – I auditioned for RADA in 1975 when I was just 18 and somehow got in. I’ve been acting ever since. I can’t change a plug, put up a shelf or fix a car engine.
2. My West End idol is…
Until recently it would have been Michael Gambon. I always try to see shows which feature Tom Hollander, Mark Gatiss or Patsy Ferran.
Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton and Mark Gatiss as Sir John Gielgud in The Motive And The Cue at the National Theatre. Photo by Mark Douet.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Enthusiastic. Wry. Trenchant. Still in love with the business of show.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Currently Guys & Dolls at The Bridge – a transformative experience. Also, The Motive & The Cue and Dear England.
Cast of Dear England. Photo by Marc Brenner.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
In terms of unlikely triumph, the National Theatre’s production of A View From The Bridge starring Michael Gambon in 1986, in which I played Marco. As I entered the bar for the post 1st-night party I heard the NT Head of casting saying to someone, ‘And as regards Michael Simkins, I didn’t think he had it in him…’
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
Imposter Syndrome. The feeling that any moment you’re going to be found out and word will get around the industry never to employ you in anything again.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
Probably working in the Civil Service behind a desk in an old fashioned sports jacket.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’ve written five books, one of which was shortlisted for the Costa book Prize (Ian McKewan didn’t make that year’s cut).
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
‘It’s not fair’ and ‘Don’t be late’.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Stop worrying what people think of you. Also, ‘Never tell folk your problems. Half of them aren’t interested and the other half are glad’.
You can see Michael’s work in action in hilarious new comedy Backstairs Billy.
