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 the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Marcus Collins, who’s currently playing Andre Mayem in Mrs Doubtfire.
Find out more about Marcus and his career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
My route began at around the age of 13 when I started performing in musical productions at school. I was encouraged by the head of the music department who had decided I was made for the stage. I had no idea what they were insinuating but it both excited and terrified me. It felt nice to be asked so I went ahead and auditioned. I bagged myself a part as a chorus boy in Grease and adored it. It was like being part of a club of daredevils and everyone had just as much energy and volume as myself. We learned how to harness that energy and perfect it into stage craft. I smile just thinking back to rehearsals and the bonds that were made in that school assembly hall.
2. My West End idol is…
Oh no! Do I genuinely have to pick just one? This town is filled with incredibly talented humans. Aisha Jawando is truly showcasing how to be a power house in theatre and I think anyone who can do what she does deserves all the flowers.
Aisha Jawando as Tina Turner in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. Photo by Manuel Harlan.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Loud, funny and kind. Practical joker, big brother vibes. Always smiling and there for a cuddle, a coffee, a haircut or therapy session. They say they smell my aftershave before they see me. LOL.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
The Book Of Mormon. Without a doubt one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen on stage in my life!
The original cast of The Book Of Mormon. Photo by Johan Persson.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Being in Mrs. Doubtfire. Playing a black, gay father who is happily married in the West End is ground breaking. Being able to represent my community and show a black character who is thriving against societies adversities and not in a subservient role really is what the industry needs. It is an honour for me to play this role and add my own flavour to him.
Marcus Collins (Andre Mayem), Cameron Blakely (Frank Hillard), Kelly Agbowu (Wanda Sellner) and Gabriel Vick (Daniel Hillard) in Mrs Doubtfire.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
Working 6 days a week and doing 8/9 shows a week. It really is not for the faint hearted. We train and rehearse like athletes and everything plays its part in contributing; from sleep, diet, stamina, weather and personal life. Recreating the same magic on stage nightly is truly hard graft. I applaud anyone working in this industry as what the audience sees on stage is only the tip of the iceberg.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
Working in wigs, hair and make up on set, or singing somewhere fabulous. I’d also finish my psychology & counselling degree and work in mental health establishing support for those who need it most.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m an introverted extrovert. When I’m home I’m so quiet and I meditate and sit with headphones on in most of my free time. I love interiors and design, I’m always found sketching and painting. One day I’d like to create a fragrance and candle line.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
“It’s our job to create the hype, it’s your job not to believe it!” This came from Simon Cowell himself and it’s something I’ve paid forward and really has grounded everyone who hears it.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Feel the fear and do it anyway. Nothing worth having comes from remaining in your comfort zone. You can do it.
You can see Marcus in the beloved film-turned-show Mrs Doubtfire.