Ryan Sampson

Ryan Sampson currently plays 'Maggio' in From Here To Eternity at the Shaftesbury Theatre

Place of birth?
Sheffield

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
No. Well I went to Uni to study English. I dropped out after a year as it was full of dicks.

Briefly tell us about the character of 'Maggio' you play in From Here To Eternity.
Shirty, Wiry, Loud, passionate, a terrier

What was your first stage performance?
Playing Father Christmas in the school play aged 7. I was convinced that Santa said Ho Ho Ho and a bottle of rum. It didn't go down well.

What roles would you most like to play?
Richard 3rd, Joe Orton, Mozart, Weirdos

What's the best advice you've ever received?
My friend celia Imrie who played my gran "Never be afraid to make a nuisance of yourself."

What has been your most embarrassing moment?
I have to drop my pants in this show. I'm now practically embarrassment proof!

What is the most annoying part about your job?
It can be unremitting. You're ill, you go on, you're hung over, you go on. You're dropping to bits you go on.

If you had not become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I write. So a writer

Favourite after-show haunts.
My best friend Ruby lives across from the theatre. Handy or what?

Do you have any hobbies?
Miniature golf

Do you have any superstitions?
No. After my mum died I gave them up.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Just a baseball. It worked for Tom Hanks.

What are your future plans?
Filming a couple of TV shows then who knows. World domination I expect.