(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by Jake Simpson – TheGayUK.com

‘Casualties’ by Ross Ericson is one of the first offerings from the newly opened Park Theatre in Finsbury Park. Starring Alex Ferns of Eastenders fame in the role of Gary, staff sergeant who is serving in Afghanistan as a member of the counter IED team, this relevant and powerful piece of writing explores the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and its impact on the lives of the soldiers serving in the military. Alex took the time to answer some questions for us about himself and the play:

by Becky Harper | 21st June 2013

TGUK: You are best known for your Television role as Trevor in Eastenders. Do you prefer performing on Stage over Screen?

I prefer doing stage – I enjoy doing television and film but the stage is where I started out and that’s what I was trained to do, that’s my first love.

TGUK: Since you finished your role on Eastenders, do the public still approach you in the street and ask about Trevor?

Not really, now and again I get spotted. Normally it’s when they hear my accent.

TGUK: Can you give us a brief breakdown of your character in Casualties? What kind of research did you need to do for the role? Do you agree/disagree with the conflict in Afghanistan?

Gary is a bomb disposal expert – he’s very calm under pressure – he’s a soldiers soldier.

Do I agree or disagree with the conflict in Afghanistan? I wouldn’t agree or disagree – I just think it’s human nature. Until women rule the world I see it as inevitable.I hate to see people being hurt and I disagree with war as a way of solving anything but i think its inevitable.

In terms of research, I was in the military so I didn’t need to do that much. Although I would say IED soldiers are very different to your average squaddies. It attracts a very different kind of guy and they’re considered mavericks in the military – they’re very technically proficient. They don’t usually get involved in the fighting unless absolutely necessary. They’re problem solvers – disabling IED’s – its like a crossword for them. 

TGUK: You seem to play characters that are very intense, is it hard to shake off at the end of the day when you go home? How do you relax after a performance?

Beer beer and more beer!

TGUK: The Park theatre is a new venue in North London, how have you found the facilities there? Have you managed to see any other performances in the theatre?

No I haven’t had a chance to see any other shows there yet. I love the theatre, its very hip and the facilities are great, it’s a state of the art theatre.

 

TGUK: Do you have any other projects in the pipeline at the moment?

I have a three part series called The Widower with John Hannah and then I’m doing True West, a Sam Shepard play at the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow in autumn.

TGUK What would be the dream stage role for you?

True West is a dream job to be honest, so I’m getting to fulfill a dream there.

The theatre itself is a studio space with a simplistic set. The 4 actors use their considerable talents to take the audience from Emma and Garys kitchen to the brutal realities of war in Afghanistan. Emma Stansfield gives a strong and moving performance as Gary’s wife and Finlay Robertson and Alex Ferns give powerful and emotive performances as the two soldiers serving in Afghanistan. The quick fire dialogue between Emma and Peter (played by Patrick Toomey) builds the tension beautifully to the compelling climax of the play.

The play itself is a fantastic piece but is made all the better by the fact its on at one of the most exciting new venues in London. The bar is buzzing with a creative and exciting atmosphere and they serve a great organic Sauvingon. Great transport links to the Piccadilly and Victoria lines as well as national rail are just round the corner, so there is really no excuse not to go along and check out this brilliant space.

For more info visit: www.parktheatre.co.uk

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