We sat down for an exclusive interview with Alexander Arnold, who plays the role of Mike in Most Favoured. From award-winning David Ireland (The Fifth Step, Cyprus Avenue) comes a sharp and hilarious exploration of faith and loneliness in a Travelodge starring Lauren Lyle and Alexander Arnold.
This show runs from 11th December to 24th January. Tickets here
What drew you to David Ireland’s Most Favoured and the mysterious character of Mike?
I love two hander plays like this because you have to be fully tuned into the other performer and so it’s this continuous loop of energy between you both. These characters are so sharply drawn and as in a lot of David Ireland’s play you slowly uncover the cracks beneath the surface. Mike is like a ball of energy and it’s exciting playing him. Nothing seems off limits.
How did you approach playing an American tourist with such an unusual mix of charm, humour, and secrets?
Mike is such a curious and strange guy. He’s like a child in many ways, discovering the world for the first time. I tried to be as inquisitive as possible during the rehearsals just to find that in him. In many cases it felt like there was no limits to what this guy is like which was so liberating in a role like this.
David Ireland’s work often blends comedy with something darker — how do you find that balance on stage?
I think David’s writing dangles sharply on that edge. There’s always a sense that something could go wrong. A sense of violence or danger and playing the beats that allow the audience to question what’s going to happen are always fun to play. Max Elton really helped us to interrogate the writing and those beats for our characters.
What does it feel like to be returning to live theatre after your recent film and television roles?
I’ve missed doing plays so much! The last time I did a play was before Covid, which feels like a lifetime ago. I miss the risk, the natural tendency for things to be different each night.
There’s a lot of themes that people might be thinking about this time of year. Without giving too much away, I think hope as a theme is something people think about a lot as the year draws to and end.
With Fuze and other projects ahead, how does this role fit into the direction you want your career to take next?
I think I’m naturally drawn to funny and strange characters. Mike’s no exception. I’m drawn to stuff where you watch it and think, ‘god, I know that feeling, or ‘I’ve done that.’ I like finding those tiny moments, the awkwardness, the things people don’t admit or where characters react in surprising ways. Trying to map that behaviour out and make sense of it is always fascinating. That’s what I want to keep doing.