In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This week we chatted to Archie Backhouse who is currently starring in Neil LaBute’s How to Fight Loneliness which is playing at the Park Theatre. Previews for this production start on 16 April and the play runs until 24 May.
Archie also starred in the Edinburgh Fringe hit show by Míriam Battye ‘Strategic Love Play’ which ran at Paines Plough and then had a successful run at the Soho Theatre.
Archie Backhouse in Strategic Love Play Photo by Murdo MacLeod/the Guardian
1. My route into theatre was…
My route into theatre was…a long one. I always acted in different theatre groups growing up and always just imagined I’d go to drama school and it would be a simple process but it took me a few attempts and then I went to Central School of Speech and Drama, doing the Collaborative and Devised theatre course run by the brilliant Catherine Alexander.
2. My West End idol is…
Bunny, the Wardrobe and Wigs Manager I worked with at The Haymarket…also Karl Queensborough.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Always on time.
4. My favourite show is…
Arinze Kene’s Misty.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Performing at Theatre Royal Haymarket last year wasn’t bad
6. The hardest part about my job is…
Brad, who I’m playing in How To Fight Loneliness at Park Theatre goes on a gruelling emotional journey in the play which can be tough to shake off.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
More available in the evenings.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I once got stung by a wasp – in my mouth and nearly died.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
When you are feeling lost challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
KEEP UP WITH THE GUITAR LESSONS!!
Book now to see Archie Backhouse onstage in Neil LaBute’s How to Fight Loneliness at the Park Theatre