We sat down with Paul to talk about CLIVE, who will play Thomas in this strange, funny, and heartbreakingly human play by Olivier and BAFTA award-winning playwright Michael Wynne.
After 12 gruelling auditions to land Tommy, did chatting to a cactus in your dressing gown feel like a well-deserved breather—or proof that showbiz takes no prisoners?
Thankfully getting the part of Thomas in Michael Wynne’s new play Clive was a little less stressful than nailing the role of Tommy. I certainly didn’t have to go through 11 recalls.
I’ve worked with Lucy Bailey (our director) twice before – on another play at The Arcola called Kenny Morgan, which was a highlight for me, and more recently on the UK Tour of Murder on the Orient Express.
I’ve never done a one person play before – I think it’s going to be an incredible experience, but definitely not a breather for me. It feels like the most challenging thing I’ve undertaken. But I feel incredibly lucky to have Lucy (who I love and trust) at the helm and Michael’s beautiful, funny and touching script to get my teeth into.
From belting Pete Townshend to bonding with a succulent, is Clive the quietest scene partner you’ve ever had—or just the most emotionally unavailable?
Thankfully I’m not belting out rock tenor anthems 8 times a week in this one. It’ll be a bit less taxing on my voice. The Arcola is a gorgeous intimate studio space for about 100. They’ll feel like a fly on the wall observing Thomas alone at home trying to cope in the strange WFH environment he’s been forced into. Clive is his confidente and sounding board. Helping him process his feelings and challenges. Lots of people talk to their pets and plants. They don’t answer back!
You’ve gone from being the voice of a generation in Tommy to whispering your secrets to a cactus—do you think this is character growth or just London rent prices?
It’s 30 years this year since I played Tommy, I’ve been really lucky over the years to play some fantastic roles. Thankfully they’ve been rich and varied. Tommy was a tortured soul, struggling to express himself and speak about his trauma. It’a almost a full circle moment playing Thomas (same name – I’ve only just realised that!) who is also trapped and struggling with his queer identity and his mental health.
Having played Straight Dave, Seymour, and Tommy, does Thomas feel like your most tragic role—or simply the one with the least musical numbers?
I think Kenny Morgan topped them all in terms of tragedy. It was the true story behind Terrence Rattigan’s ‘The Deep Blue Sea’ – I got to play Kenny in two sell out runs at The Arcola and also on BBC Radio 3.
Was playing opposite Sheridan Smith in Little Shop of Horrors good prep for Clive—or are man-eating plants somehow easier to trust than emotionally distant cacti?
I had the most amazing time doing Little Shop at The Menier Chocolate Factory and in the West End. Sheridan was perfection as Audrey and we had the best relationship on and off stage. Audrey II was a dangerous predator, thankfully Clive, in contrast, is a wonderful support and friend.
Thirty years after Tommy, is it reassuring to know that even if you nailed the rock star thing early, you’d one day be having existential crises in your dressing gown with a potted plant?
Back when I was in Tommy I didn’t dream that I’d get to have a career as an actor. I felt like I was blagging it and didn’t really believe in myself. I’m still doing what I love and feel happier in my skin than ever. I’m not blagging anything now… Doing a one man show, written by a BAFTA and Olivier winning writer – just for me – is a real pinch myself moment. I’m going to savour every second.
For tickets and info, please visit https://www.arcolatheatre.com/whats-on/clive/