Swindon Lives - Richard Ede, The 39 Steps' Special

In our latest edition of Swindon Lives we spoke with Richard Ede, the unlikley hero and star of The 39 Steps'. Here's what he had to tell us:

In the show yourself and the 3 other actors play 139 roles in 100 minutes, how are you findinf it?

Luckily for me, Richard Hannay is the only character that I have to worry about playing. Because he’s the lead character, he’s on stage for most of the performance. But I really have to hand it to the rest of the cast for putting on such a slick show considering how many different characters they play, believe me it can get pretty chaotic back stage.

What’s your favorite thing playing Richard Hannay?

What I love about Richard, is the fact he’s just this ordinary guy who has this unbelievable quest thrust upon him, he’s an unlikely hero, very much an ordinary man in extra ordinary circumstances.

When was your ‘big break’?

19 years ago, in Bognor Regus as a Butlins Red Coat. We’ve all got to make our start somewhere!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

I think I’d have to agree with Charlotte on this one, bringing The 39 Steps’ to Swindon.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Not to take yourself too seriously is the best piece of advice that I’ve ever been given. Living by this ethos really allowed me to throw myself into my performance in The 39 Steps’ and I think it’s payed off.

Do you have an idol that inspired or motivated you to become an actor?

Much like Charlotte, I didn’t really have any one given person who inspired me to become an actor. Doing a show like the 39 Steps’ is quite inspiring in itself actually. Seeing the rest of the cast bringing their A game all the time really encourages you to give your all, we really inspire each other if I’m honest and I think that reflects in the sleek performance that we give.

Where’s been your favorite venue to perform the show?

Well last week we were in Cambridge and this week we’ve been in Cheltenham. Both absolutely great places to perform. I'm really looking forward to travelling the country.

Describe yourself in 3 words…

Some Dorset bloke.  

How would you compare the theatre version of the 39 Steps to the Hitchcock film version? Are audiences sometimes surprised the stage shows a comedy?

4 actors are basically looking to put on the best stage version of The 39 Steps’ they possibly can and an awful lot of the comedy derives from that. Some of them are late, there’s missing props and the audience laugh at the characters sheer frustration.

What do you like to do when you’re not on stage performing? Do you have any hobbies? 

Much to my cast mate’s dismay, when I’m not on stage I love to play my electric guitar backstage, I find it very relaxing even if they don’t. I like to think of myself as a rock star with moustache.

The 39 Steps will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Monday 4 to Saturday 9 February 2013.

Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk or by calling the Ticket Office on 01793 524 481.