We sat down with John O’Neill, actor and co-producer of the upcoming show Orphans. In a modest home on an ordinary evening, Helen and Danny’s quiet night is disrupted by an unexpected visitor, Helen’s brother, Liam. As the night unfolds, the atmosphere tightens and uncomfortable questions emerge—about family, loyalty, and the truths we’re willing to ignore to protect those we love.
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As both actor and co-producer, how do you juggle the dual responsibilities of being inside the story on stage while also shaping the production behind the scenes?
This is difficult – but I really enjoy doing it. And knowing Oli & the team helps! We understand when eachother needs to prioritise a particular aspect of their role. Acting is my favourite thing, I just love it and it never really feels like a job, more a privilege.
Orphans digs into loyalty, morality, and uncomfortable truths—what excites you most about exploring these themes in front of Manchester audiences?
I think the play feels incredibly relevant right now, Manchester and the country are in a really difficult place politically. Tensions are rising, people are angry, hurting and fuelled. On both sides of the line. I think this play can offer insight into some of these tensions, and hopefully create a space for people to talk about it – share thoughts, feelings and discuss the reality we are living in.
You’ve worked with Red Brick Theatre before on MOJO—what makes this new collaboration feel like “building something special” for the city’s theatre scene?
I think Oli and I have a really strong understanding of eachothers craft and both love this industry and storytelling so much. Together it feels like both sides of a coin are met – it’s rare to meet a director who you just click with and share the same artistic ambitions with on many levels. And we have. This play felt like the natural next step for our collaboration.
Liam’s unexpected arrival sets the play’s tension in motion—what drew you to this role, and how do you approach inhabiting a character who disrupts the family’s fragile balance?
Liam is a deeply troubled character – and though his actions are terrible his reasoning for doing what he does felt true. He is so loyal to those who he loves, he is a fierce protector of his family and support unit and that fascinated me. It’s always interesting to play a character who feels so far removed from my beliefs and behaviours. It allows me as an actor and a human to dig, think and try to understand the why of what he does.
Why do you think Orphans, first staged over a decade ago, feels particularly relevant and resonant in 2025?
The relevance is scary. And that’s why it needs to be done today. The divide in the country and in humanity is growing and it really makes me sad to see where we are. I feel it has characters from both sides of the line in it and that’s important for storytelling.
Looking at your career across stage and screen, what unique opportunities does producing your own work give you as an actor?
Producing your own work allows you to take control of your career, I can be an actor and artist without having to wait for someone to pay me to be. It allows me to explore the roles and stories I may never be considered for because we have the steering wheel. And it’s fun, like really fun.