Swindon Lives - Martin Marquez - Abigail's Party Special

During his twenty year career Martin Marquez has moonlighted as a Detective Sergeant, an Italian barman and a coal miner, but now in perhaps his most challenging role to date, Martin portrays workaholic estate agent - Laurence Moss in Lindsay Posner's acclaimed revival of Abigail's Party.

How would you describe Laurence? Did you base him on anyone?

Where do I start? Laurence is a self-obsessed, self-important sycophant who's very ambitious and a little too serious at times. Despite his flaws, he has a quick wit and good sense of humour. I actually based the character on a personal tutor that I had growing up.

Abigail’s Party is set in the 1970s, if you could visit any period in time, when would it be and why?

I'd love to go back to Roman times and visit the ruins as they once were, maybe even catch a gladiator fight or two.

When you’re not on stage, how do you like to spend your spare time?

I like to keep fit and play a lot of sport, if I'm not playing football; I'm having a tennis match or out running. Being away from home as often as I am, I cherish the time that I get to spend with my kids; I take them to art galleries, museums and the theatre whenever I get the chance.

What or who inspired you to go into your line of work?

It was a friend from school who actually got me into acting, he invited me along to a youth theatre group he used to attend and as soon as I joined, I was hooked - from that point on I knew that I wanted to become an actor. I cite Brando and Pacino as my idols.

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

I don't think I've ever been given any advice before, well good advice anyway! Nothing's really jumping out at me - during my career I've definitely picked up quite a few tips and tricks along the way though. I suppose most of the things I've learnt have to do with honesty, but I can't think of a specific quote that would apply. The idea of being honest applies to both my personal and professional life.

Who’s the most famous person in your phonebook?

A lot of my 'famous' contacts are people who I've worked with on shows like Doc Martin, The Catherine Tate Show and Hotel Babylon. I used to have Kevin Spacey's number but I don't think that I ever called him.

What’s the best and worst part of being an actor?

I would say that the worst part of being an actor is the inequality of pay. The pay isn't based on an actor’s length of experience. Very few people become wealthy through acting, although for some the rewards can be pretty worthwhile. An actor’s earnings aren't necessarily linked to their experience, how hard they work or their talent.

That aside the best part of being an actor is hearing people laugh when you're funny.

Apart from your home and car, what's the most expensive thing that you've ever bought?

I guess saying a holiday would be cheating right? Failing that answer I think the most expensive thing I've ever bought has to be my Prada suit. I wore it to the opening night of Anything Goes at Drury Lane. Let's just say I didn't get much change from £1000.

Your daughter is Karen from Outnumbered! How did you feel about Ramona following in your footsteps?

I never really had a problem with it. As her dad it's my role to be there for her and support the decisions that she makes. Ramona never auditioned for the part; she went to school with the director’s son, who scouted her at a classmate's birthday party. I'm incredibly proud of her; hopefully I might get a cameo role one day.

After the tour, do you have any exciting projects or performances in the pipeline?

At the moment I don't have any concrete plans, I do a lot of comedy work with my brother John, so it would great to get some time to work on some new material with him. We perform together as The Brothers Marquez and it's one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. My dream role would be Eddie Carbone in 'A View from the Bridge'.

Abigail's Party will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday 28th of May to Saturday June 1st 2013.

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