NIGEL LINDSAY
Nigel Lindsay (Studio image by Helen Maybanks) /
Nigel Lindsay (Shrek), Kimberley Walsh (Princess Fiona) (Oct)
Nigel Lindsay currently plays 'Shrek' in Shrek The Musical at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane
Date of Birth
January 17 1969
Place of birth?
London
Did you go to training school, if so which one?
Webber Douglas Academy (now part of Central School of Speech and Drama)
Briefly tell us how you became involved with Shrek The Musical
I had worked with Rob Ashford before on Guys and Dolls, my only previous
musical. I was asked to audition and went along for the fun!
Your first stage performance?
I played an assassin and the local mayor in Shoot the Archduke by John
Clifford for Great Eastern Stage, a Lincolnshire touring company.
Career highlight to date?
Playing Barry in Chris Morris's feature debut Four Lions, Ariel in The
Pillowman alongside Jim Broadbent and David Tennant at the National Theatre
and the eponymous hero in the original London production of Shrek the
Musical at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
What roles would you most like to play?
Iago, Macbeth or another chunky musical part on stage and anything a younger
Brendan Gleeson might have played on film.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
My first ever telly job I asked a lovely actor called Tom Georgeson for
advice. He looked up from his paper, fag in mouth and said: "Two things:
One, just say the bleeding lines and two, whenever you think this will be my
big break it never bleeding is." Good advice.
What has been your most embarrassing moment on either TV/stage/film?
The first time I did a scene in front of a studio audience for a sit com, I
thought I was so bad I hid behind the scenery for 45 mins and didn't come
out until discovered by a fellow cast member.
What is the most annoying part about your job?
Waiting to be asked to work.
If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I was a financial analyst in the City for three years but hated it. I had a
place at Bar School starting the same day as drama school. A criminal
barrister always appealed.
Favourite after-show haunts
J Sheekey or the Nell pub in Catherine St.
Who are your favourite actors/actresses
Brendan Gleeson, Michael Gambon, Gene Hackman, Mark Rylance
If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and
what would you say to them?
Jesus. Are the other two for real?
What was the last book you read, and name some of your favourite authors?
The Sisters Brothers by Patrick De Witt. Philip Roth, Charles Dickens, Graham
Greene.
What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favourite movies?
Drive. The Godfather, His Girl Friday, Miller's Crossing, The Wild Bunch, As
Good as it Gets.
Favourite TV programs?
Mad Men, Sherlock Holmes (with Jeremy Brett), The
Wire, Nurse Jackie, The World at War.
Favourite holiday destinations?
Italy (the Amalfi Coast) and anywhere on
safari.
Do you have any hobbies?
I write, play the guitar and a bit of golf and
poker and draw cartoons.
Do you have any superstitions?
Always put my left sock and shoe on first
when changing for a play.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take
with you?
My wife and two kids.
What are your future plans?
To rest up after the toughest job I've done and
see what the wind blows in.
Questions by Darren Dalglish
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