Anthony Calf

Anthony Calf starred in The Power of Yes, by David Hare at the Lyttelton, National Theatre

Date of Birth
4th May 1959

Place of birth?
Hammersmith, London

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
LAMDA, on the Stage Management course!

Briefly tell us how you became involved with The Power of Yes.
I was asked at quite short notice and the answer had to be YES!

As an actor, do you have a preference for stage, tv or film?
I prefer well written pieces in whatever genre.

Your first stage performance?
As the delivery man in Neil Simon's play "Barefoot In The Park" (a part with no lines but a lot of panting)

Career highlight to date?
Working with Harold Pinter on his play "Betrayal" at the NT directed by Trevor Nunn.

What roles would you most like to play?
I'd love to do more Chekhov and Shakespeare.

What's the best advice you've ever received?
No one is ever first choice for a part!

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
Suddenly being unable to play the drums at the end of my scene in Gethsemane at the Cottesloe.

What is the most annoying part about your job?
Sometimes not being allowed to do it!!

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
No idea. I certainly thought I could be a barrister or a piano accompanist but these were the fantasies of a twelve year old!

Favourite after-show haunts
Home.

Who are your favourite actors/actresses
Douglas Hodge, and the actress knows who she is!!

What was the last book you read, and name some of your favourite authors?
Michael Blakemore's "Arguments With England". Evelyn Waugh.

What was the last film you saw, and name some of your favourite movies?
Last saw Nativity. Brilliant. John Houston's The Dead - absolutely favourite film. Once Upon a Time in America

Favorite TV programs?
Recently watched all of The Wire.

Favorite holiday destinations?
Florence

Do you have any hobbies?
Playing the piano badly. Classical music.

Do you have any superstitions?
None

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Piano. Complete Schubert piano Sonatas. All Bach's Preludes and Fugues.

What are your future plans?
The White Guard at the NT.