A new dramatisation of Christopher Isherwood’s novel A Single Man is coming to the Park Theatre this month and Theo Fraser Steele is playing college professor George, the grief-stricken lead character, in this powerful but sexy gay story set in California in 1962.
George is grieving the death of his long-term partner Jim and as a middle-aged gay Englishman living in the Los Angeles suburbs, he is an outsider in every way – but then one day changes everything. Theo told us more about this exciting role.
Did you know the book – and movie – of A Single Man before being cast in this production?
I had seen the movie and loved it. The movie inspired me to read the book – so I had read it before I was cast as George.
What do you think is so special about this story and the character of George?
George is such a rich character. I love playing him and it’s been very interesting to research Christopher Isherwood and his life – he’s so open and honest.
The story deals with many universal themes; loss, grief, hope but also the faces we present to the world compared to the turmoil that might be going on behind the mask.
George is incredibly brave; he gets up every morning and forces himself through the day and, despite his grief at the death of his partner, manages to be positive and also funny (hopefully).
How have you found the rehearsal process? What has been the highlight?
It’s been strangely calming. I did quite a lot of work on my own before we started rehearsing which was quite lonely so it was a real highlight to get into the rehearsal room with real other people.
What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
I hope they’ll feel they have been on a journey and witnessed a man travelling through an extraordinary day, attempting to hold himself together and move forward in his life.
Lastly, please tell Boyz readers where they can see A Single Man and when the performances are?
A Single Man is on at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park from 19th October to 26th November. Please come.
Photos by Mitzide Margary
A Single Man is at the Park Theatre, Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP from 19th October to 26th November. Box Office: 020 7870 6876 (Mon-Sat 10am-6pm).
parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/a-single-man
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