Reflecting on your time at Caldicott, what stands out as your most cherished memory or experience? How did your early education contribute to your journey into and throughout acting?

"I think playing rugby is up there. All those years ago running out onto the top field for the 1stXV sometimes felt like what I imagined at the time, would be what playing at Twickenham might have felt like, with the huge parental support and the accolade at playing 1^st XV for Caldicott  - such was my wild imagination. My fondest memory was playing Toad of Toad Hall with a broken arm. I had fallen off the stage during a rehearsal for the play and I remember Mr Galbraith driving me in a panic to the hospital in his sports car. I had the cast fitted and the show went on. I just felt bad for Mr Galbraith who I’m sure was convinced it was his fault (it wasn’t, it was my stupidity at jumping off the stage wrong)."

Can you recall any teachers who had a particularly significant impact on you or provided valuable support during your time at Caldicott?

"Mr Spray I remember well, his dog Mouse following him around, he played a part in most of the sports I played (cricket, rugby, squash)… as well as Mr Wright (Latin teacher) who used to throw our homework out of the window - which we all found very amusing; he also took us for Colts rugby, I remember… and of course Mr Masterman, bowling googlies on the cricket pitch during the (Friday…?) evening game of cricket the teachers would get involved in with some of the students back then (including future England Captain and legend and Andrew Strauss who was the year above me)."

Having transitioned from Caldicott to Harrow, how did both schools contribute to your development as an actor? What opportunities did you find at each institution?

"Drama was always a part of my life at Caldicott, in terms of school plays; but it really wasn’t until Harrow that the seed really cemented for me as something I would consider as a career. The latter wouldn't have happened without the former, of course. Harrow has an incredible theatre (The Ryan) and having the opportunity to use it, while at the same time doing Theatre Studies as a subject, fostered my desire to pursue it as a way to try and make a living. I was lucky enough to be in most of the school plays, enjoying large roles and made some really amazing connections from the teaching staff and also later on, soon after leaving, with the Old Harrovian Players, who do a Shakespeare play each year in Harrow’s famous Speech Room."

In your acting career, what role stands out as the most memorable or personally significant?

"I think a number of them do as they represent different stages of the “journey”… I also teach acting at drama schools, an actor is always learning/growing: Drama schools' training emphasises that in so much as the majority of the learning is in retrospect; life experience gives us so much to work with as long as we have the tools to use it to our advantage, which is what (hopefully) drama school gives us. I did The Importance of Being Earnest in the West End in 2008, playing Algie, with Penelope Keith, which I still pinch myself to this day that it actually happened. Working with Mike Newell and Ralph Feinnes on Great Expectations was also a ‘pinch me moment’… but to be honest, the most interesting work is always the opportunities where we as actors get to play characters that are a step away from ourselves, much like playing the sociopathic Theo in Eastenders!!"

Joining the cast of Eastenders is a remarkable achievement. What was the experience like stepping onto Albert Square for the first time, and how has it influenced your career?

"The thing about a show as canonised as EastEnders, is that even if you do not watch the show, the characters and faces are etched into British popular culture; so one is familiar with it regardless… and in that sense it was both thrilling and terrifying. Working with many of the stalwart actors in it - who have been in the show for years was remarkable, as they are all so good to work with. The format of continuing drama is fast and exciting, you are often filming on episodes that are weeks apart in terms of time-frame in the same day; so you really need to be up to speed and be able to work quickly… it is also handy that the show is well supported in that regard by excellent directors / writers. The format is not easy: two hours of polished drama a week is a testament to the amazing crew and team that work at the BBC."

For current Caldicotians aspiring to enter the industry, what advice would you offer based on your own journey and experiences?

"It’s a hard industry, so be kind to yourself; BUT there is a place for everyone to tell their own stories. So, I would always encourage people starting out (especially now) to be their own creators of work by writing, making theatre and creating theatre companies and the like… this is an area I have fallen well short in, but if I was starting now I would most certainly have had to ensure I had more creative control by making my own stuff. Also, never compare, an actor’s journey / career is 100% unique, and one is given roles through being able to meet the opportunity (or luck) with talent: one has to ensure we are ready to work… drama school is a great option, but it is not for everyone. I know many successful actors who didn't go to drama school; and many actors who have never worked who went to drama school. There is no linear path. One thing drama school does give you though, is an "actor's tool box" and also an opportunity to showcase yourself to the industry… which, of course, helps."

We're eager to feature your charity swim around Jersey. Could you share details about how the event went, your training regimen, and provide any fundraising links for our readers?

"Of course!! How kind… Round Jersey was such a fun swim. It’s a tidal swim, meaning that the tide or a current is with you for almost all of the 65km circumnavigation. I had hoped to be close to the World Record of 9hrs 27mins; which were looking good to do. I got to Corbiere Lighthouse in 7hrs 10mins, which as I understand it, hasn't been done before; and from there it is usually no more than 2 hours back to Elizabeth Castle, the start/finish. However, we had to start the swim 20mins earlier than we had planned due to a Condor Ferry arriving, and this meant we hit slack tide after getting to Corbiere on the South Coast and I took 2hours 40mins to get to the finish… It still felt huge pride to get under ten hours and only a dozen people have ever done so, so I was mighty chuffed to have finished in 9hrs 52mins. I was raising money for AMAZE, a charity which helps families with neurodiverse children: we have a son, Odie, who has a rare genetic syndrome called Mowat-Wilson Syndrome… and they have been extremely helpful to us and others in Sussex. I am swimming the English Channel in August 2024, and so I am in the pool a lot at the moment, fitting it in around work and the like. We are very lucky to have a brand new outdoor (heated) 50m pool on the beach here in Brighton that does make training a little easier… plus it is heated to 18/19 degrees, so it keeps the body somewhat acclimated to the cold waters of the English Channel nicely! (photos below)"

Considering your fond memory of playing Toad of Toad Hall with a broken arm, how did that experience shape your attitude towards challenges in your later career?

"In terms of challenges in my later career… well, early in my career, I was once cast in a Peter Hall production of Hay Fever and had a week’s skiing booked a few weeks before rehearsals started. I broke my arm attempting something extremely silly on the slope in France, and ended up in hospital with concussion etc. I started rehearsals (thankfully, production were very understanding / had no alternative) with my arm in a sling and face like a piece of used sandpaper; all of which had healed by the time we opened. So, I sort of feel like I had tempted fate at Caldicott a little, knowing what it was like to muscle on regardless. (Same arm too)."