Interview: Daniel Rigby Talks A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

Daniel Rigby's work includes Twelfth Night, One Man, Two Guvnors, and his BAFTA-winning performance as Eric Morecambe. He's currently playing Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream at Sheffield Crucible.

What was your first experience of theatre?

My first experience of theatre was of playing a 10-year-old Fagin in Oliver! at junior school.

Where did you train?

I trained at RADA.

What was your first professional job?

Before I went to drama school, I played Augustus/Gus in Arcadia by Tom Stoppard at the Library theatre Manchester.

You've played some iconic real people in your career - does that change your approach as an actor, or do you treat Eric Morecambe or David Frost like any other character?

I feel like there's more of a responsibility when playing real people to not balls it up. Whenever I've played a real person, I've always tried to absorb as much information as possible about them. With Eric Morecambe and David Frost there was a wealth of footage to pick over, so that was a huge bonus.

What excites you about Robert Hastie's take on A Midsummer Night's Dream?

I've never seen a version quite like what Rob and the team has planned, and making music a key ingredient will give it a unique atmosphere. Dan Gillespie Sells has written some beautiful music. To be part of something bold is very exciting. Music and magic are interwoven in this production.

Have you been inspired by any past Bottoms, or have you tried to start fresh?

I've tried to approach it with a fresh brain, fresh eyes and newly cleaned ears.

Tell us about your approach to the character. What was your way into him?

Primarily through the text and how the characters interact. I gave him a long backstory involving New York in the Eighties, but it was rejected on the grounds of making no sense.

Do you recognise any of the actorly types Shakespeare lampoons from your past experience - and is that fun to play?

Shakespeare sends up people without a true sense of who they are, and that's always fun to play.

Bottom's transformation is an exciting moment in the play. Can you give us any hints about your version of the donkey?

I'm afraid those are top secret donkey facts.

Is there anything that's really challenged or surprised you about playing this part?

I had never expected to do as much singing and dancing as I am. I'm knackered.

What's particularly special about performing at Sheffield?

The Crucible theatre is one of the best stages in the country to perform on. The building has a brilliant atmosphere and is full of lovely people. There's also a palpable sense of pride from people I've spoken to about the arts scene in Sheffield and the achievements of their theatre. It's a special city.

Finally, why should people come see A Midsummer Night's Dream?

This play is full of magic, music and some people being very, very silly indeed.

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Sheffield Crucible until 20 October

Photo credit: The Other Richard

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