Interview with War Horse actor Simon Victor

Interview with War Horse actor Simon Victor

Posted on: 16 Oct 2017

War Horse has had 8 record breaking years in West End London and will now be performed at Bristol Hippodrome from 18 October to 11 November 2017 on this UK tour. Shows are 7.30pm every evening except Sundays with lots of 2.30pm matinees scheduled too.

***GET TICKETS HERE***

War Horse is a touching and creative drama, full of inspiring music and tracks. The show has astounding life-sized horses by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, charging, galloping horses to spectacular life on stage. Get ready to experience the fields of rural Devon to the trenches of First World War France as War Horse takes you on an incredible journey with its theatricality, accuracy and reality.

War Horse Bristol

We asked actor Simon Victor who plays Captain Stewart, some questions:

 

What was your route into acting? Had it always been an ambition?

Growing up I had two ambitions, Flying and Acting. I was very fortunate within the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at my school to learn all about the RAF. I took every course available and flew regularly, including solo flights. I learned to fly at 17, took me another 13 years to learn to drive!

I went to university at UWE in Bristol to study Drama with the plan of joining the RAF afterwards, but I ended up training for those 3 years with the Officer Training Corps (OTC) learning all about the British Army. 

I was torn between Sandhurst and drama school. Drama school won and I managed to secure a place at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Two more years in the city I love while I trained to be an actor. 

 

 What was it that particularly drew you to War Horse?

I saw the production for the first time in 2010 in London and, like many, it had a huge effect on me. I told myself if I ever had the opportunity to work on the show, I would do everything I could to make it happen.

Also to be able to play an officer in the British Army that, at one time, was an ambition of mine is very special. With many friends having joined and served in the Army, it is an honour to wear the uniform every night.

 

Had you seen/were you a fan of the production?

I saw it 3 times in London and once on the last UK Tour. I also purchased the soundtrack a few years ago. Definitely a fan!

 

What aspect of the production gives you the most challenge? (could be a physical challenge, or a part that’s particularly emotional etc) 

I always enjoy a challenge! For me, it is the second half of the 1st Act. I won't give away any spoilers but a lot happens before the interval for my character, Captain Stewart. It's both physical and emotional and I relish portraying it every show.

 

 Did you undertake any personal research/preparation before joining the production?

Most of the research and preparation for an actor happens before and during the audition stage. Having seen the show, listened to the soundtrack and read the script, the next stage for me was choosing how I would portray my character. As I got closer and closer to the final auditions, I trusted my choices and continued to research. I'm glad all that hard work paid off!

 

Had you worked with puppets before War Horse? How did you find it?

I had never worked with puppets before. It's a wonderful experience. I'm very lucky that I get to interact with Topthorn and Joey as well as riding Topthorn. Later in the play I also puppeteer one of the German horses, Heine. Every actor in the company gets to puppeteer during the show which I think is magical and makes the show even more special for the actors.

 

To find out more and where to buy tickets, click here.

 

War Horse is on from 18 October – 11 November 2017 with evening shows Mon – Sat 7.30pm and matinees: Wed & Sat (excluding Wed 18 Oct) and Thu 19 Oct 2.30pm. Tickets from £22.40 and concessions available.

 

The Hippodrome is located at St Augustine's Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ

 


Article by:

Hannah Moll

Hannah recently graduated with a degree in English with Writing. She is an avid writer, freelancer and creative. She is currently writing her first full-length novel and a collection of poetry. Always out and about in Bristol's music scene, she attends music events on a weekly basis.