In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how their castmates would describe them and alternative careers, to their Theatreland idols, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Brian Vernel, who’s currently playing Thompson in Mary, playing at the Hampstead Theatre.
Find out more about Brian and his career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
My route in to theatre started when I was 16, when I joined a youth theatre group in Glasgow. Which did musicals, bizarrely enough. Something I could never do now!
2. My West End idol is…
I don’t know if I have a west end idol, as such. When I saw Bryan Cranston in Network, I thought he was electric, though.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Good chat. Hopefully.
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in) is…
The best stage show I’ve ever seen was Black Watch.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Not sure, to be honest. I tend to just focus on what I’m doing. Or what’s ahead.
6. The hardest part about my role is…
I suppose the unpredictability of the job can be hard, sometimes. Or early starts. I like a lie in.
7. If I didn’t work in theatre I would be…
Librarian, maybe? A job I could just sit and chill, most of the time.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I can do a cryptic crossword in 5 minutes.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Just try your best.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Lottery numbers from the future.
You can see Brian Vernel in Mary at Hampstead Theatre until 26 November – don’t miss out!