Introducing THE PITMEN PAINTERS: Chris Connel

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.

First up - Chris Connel!

What is your home town?  How long did you live there?

My home town is Newcastle upon Tyne, I've lived here all of my 37 years. 

Does your family still live there? Who?

I'd say ninety percent of my family still live in the area – most within a five minute walk from my front door!  

Where did you go to school and/or study and what did you study?

I occasionally went to Benfield comprehensive which is the same school that Lee Hall went to.  I did a BTec [vocation education degree] in performing arts at Newcastle College and went straight to work from there. I didn't go to Drama school as in the early Nineties there was no funding available. So if you didn't have your own money you couldn't go! I applied to several and didn't even get a reply. 

Do you have any relatives in show business?

None whatsoever, I'm just as confused as them as to how I ended up doing this for a living.

Do you have any interesting hobbies, charity work interest, etc.?

I am obsessed with fly fishing and tying my own flies. If I won the lottery I'd buy and run my own fishery and occasionally do the odd play! I took my rod on the last tour of Pitmen and made the company eat Trout. I support the greatest football (soccer!?!) team on earth, the mighty Newcastle United. I had a season ticket for the best part of fifteen years. 

Were you aware of the Ashington Group’s story before your involvement with The Pitmen Painters?

I had no idea, although I did know some of the more famous paintings but not the story behind them.  

You began your journey with the show back in 2007, how has your performance evolved?

I think most of the evolution happened in the first and second runs at Live and the National. I believe as an actor you should always be trying to improve and fine tune your performance. I think it's very dangerous to think to yourself that you've cracked it. 

What are you most looking forward to about bringing the show to New York/Broadway?

Just being on Broadway is hugely exciting in itself! If nothing else happens I can say I've done it. I'm really looking forward to bringing a little corner of North East England to New York. 

What do you hope Broadway audiences take away from this production?

Primarily I hope they have fun! It's a cracking comedy as well as an interesting and engaging political and artistic debate. I hope the audience appreciates how remarkable the achievements of the Ashington Group were in the circumstances and also the relevance of the story in the current day as well.   

What quintessential New York experience are you most looking forward to?

Food, tall stuff and more food! I love eating and find tall things very impressive! 

Do you have any painting talent of your own?

Not a jot! I bought all of the equipment about two years ago, it's all still in the cupboard. 

Top three songs that are most played on your iTunes/iPod right now (or name the three songs you always find yourself listening to).

Johnny Cash’s album, American V- A Hundred Highways, The Unthanks (Northumbrian Folk Group) and Pink Floyd. 

Name the three TV Shows that are the highest priority on your DVR (or name three television shows on “your must” watch list)?

“Shooting Stars”, “World’s Scariest Police Chases 19” and Hywel Morgan’s fly fishing master class. (Seriously)

What are the next three movies in your Netflix/Blockbuster queue (or name the last three movies you watched at home)?

I'm working my way through my Coen Brothers box set and Deliverance is always worth a look.

What website is your current online addiction?

The App store, I'm also an Ebay demon and I spend a bit too much time on Facebook.

What’s the last book you purchased for yourself to read?

A Secret History of the IRA by Ed Moloney 

Name the place you hope to visit when you go on your next vacation.

Somewhere hot and wild. I'd like to visit New Zealand but that's probably not going to happen.

Favorite show on Broadway right now, or theatrical event?

Got to be Billy [Elliot]!

What is the one role (musical theatre, straight play, television, film, opera, ballet) you MUST play before you die?

I've already done it. I played Alan Shearer, Newcastle United's legendary #9, in a play at Live Theatre.  

Name one thing you want to accomplish in the next six months.

I'd like to scrape together enough of a deposit to get a house in the country for myself, my fiancée and my son.