Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: Brian Lonsdale
By: Gabrielle Sierra Sep. 13, 2010
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The Pitmen Painters recently concluded an acclaimed run at London's Royal National Theatre. Inspired by a book by William Feaver, and hailed by London critics as "a glorious instant classic" (Evening Standard), "a wonderful piece of theatre" (Financial Times) "a beautiful work of art that everybody should see" (The Times of London), and "a superb piece of work; warm, funny, sad, and thought-provoking" (The Daily Telegraph), the play tells the story of the Ashington Group - miners from Northumberland who became celebrated painters. THE PITMEN PAINTERS was named Best Play at the 2008 Evening Standard Awards.Max Roberts directs the British cast, which will include Christopher Connel, Michael Hodgson, Ian Kelly, Brian Lonsdale, Lisa McGrillis, Deka Walmsley, David Whitaker and Phillippa Wilson. The play begins previews Sept. 14 and opens Sept. 30 at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.
BroadwayWorld.com is excited to present a new series where each day we'll introduce a new member of the cast.
Next up: Brian Lonsdale
What is your hometown? How long did you live there?
Crook Count Durham. I lived there till the age of 20 then came to London
Where did you go to school and/or study and what did you study?I studied performing arts at New College Durham then acting at RADA
Do you have any interesting hobbies, charity work interest, etc.?My only real hobby (if you can call it that) is following Newcastle United F.C.
Were you aware of the Ashington Group's story before your involvement with The Pitmen Painters?I had no idea about them. It's wonderful to have been in a position to learn so much about their journey
You began your journey with the show back in 2007, how has your performance evolved?The show is much tighter, slicker and shorter. We have scenes that were not in the original production. We're always learning and changing bits.
It's a dream come true!! What can be better for an actor than to perform on Broadway?!
What quintessential New York experience are you most looking forward to?I'm looking forward to seeing a baseball game!
Do you have any painting talent of your own?I wouldn't say talent but since doing this show we have all had a go! Some of the lads are pretty good . . . but not me.
Top three songs that are most played on your iTunes/iPod right now (or name the three songs you always find yourself listening to).Iron and Wine, Such Great Heights
Queen, Lap of The Gods (reprise)
Bright Eyes, First Day of my Life
Flash Forward, Medium, The Shield
What are the next three movies in your Netflix/Blockbuster queue (or name the last three movies you watched at home)?
The Last Exorism, Paranormal Activity 2, Scott Pilgrim vs The World
What's the last book you purchased for yourself to read?
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
Name the place you hope to visit when you go on your next vacation.The Philippines
Favorite show on Broadway right now, or theatrical event?
I loved August: Osage County
What is the one role (musical theatre, straight play, television, film, opera, ballet) you MUST play before you die?
Someone Evil. Hitler?
Name one thing you want to accomplish in the next six months.I want to be able to look back on my time in NY and say I made the most of it. Both at work in my performances and with my time off. Also, I just got married so this is kind of my honeymoon so I hope my wife has a fab time too.
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