The SUN caught up with Toti actor, Peter Court, a KickstArt veteran who is currently working on the company’s production of ‘Shrek’.
Catch him playing the role of a tranny wolf at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 23 May to 28 June.
Q: What is the best thing about performing in front of an audience?
A: The immediacy – in film and TV, if it goes wrong, you get to do it again. On stage, if it goes wrong, you make a plan – quick.
Q: What would be the highlight of your career to date?
A: There have been many, but receiving the Fleur de Cape award for ‘best supporting actor’ in 2012 in KickstArt’s production of ‘Cabaret’ in Cape Town must be one of the highest. It was such a great production and the chance to play opposite the wonderful Charon Williams-Ros was a huge thrill.
Q: What is the hardest role you have ever tackled?
A: Playing PT Barnum, the creator of the three ring circus. I had to learn to juggle while singing, walk on a tightrope while singing and solo trapeze… yes you’ve guessed it, while singing.
Q: Speaking of roles, you’re currently playing the role of a tranny wolf in KicksArt’s Shrek. Challenging? Or thankfully familiar?
A: Challenging, very challenging. I’ve never played a wolf before. He’s only considered a tranny because he’s in granny’s dressing gown and he’s fed up with always being called a big ‘bad’ wolf. He’s just a wolf – it’s in his nature.
Q: Tell us about your first time on stage, how did it go?
A: I was about four or five-years-old, living in Nigeria. It was our school concert and I was a teddy bear at a teddy bears picnic. I remember walking with the rest of my class up onto a scaffold stage in the grounds of the school and being blinded by the lights. I don’t remember the rehearsals or even the performance, for that matter, but I do remember the excitement and exhilaration – the realisation that I was ‘home’, that this was ‘my space’. That here I could be ‘anything and anyone’ I wanted to be. I never wanted to leave – I was hooked.
Q: What is your most embarrassing moment on stage?
A: There have been far too many, none of which I choose to share, sorry.
Q: What attracted you to be part of KicksArt’s Shrek?
A: When Steven Stead and Greg King asked me to be part of the production, I jumped at the chance. Being part of KickstArt isn’t just a pleasure, it’s an honour to be a part of the love and attention to detail that goes into their work. They asked me to play the wolf and to manipulate the dragon puppet. Acting and puppets, two of my favourite things in one show.
Q: Why should people come and see the show?
A: It’s really, really funny.
Q: Is acting a career path that you would recommend?
A: Absolutely… not. It’s great if you want to starve and or rely on your parents or partner for the rest of your life. That’s not true. If theatre really is your passion, go for it. But know that it’s hard. Loads of rejections, unsocial hours (you are always on stage when your friends are having a party). Having to be away from loved ones and family for months on end. But if you are going to do it, do it with every fibre of your being and have another qualification to fall back on.
Q: Who is your role model?
A: My mum and dad. They have always been so supportive.
Q: Outside of you performing, what are your hobbies?
A: I love to paint and create puppets, both for my own use and for others.
Q: What book are you currently reading?
A: The Complete Book of Puppet Theatre by David Currell, Synchronicity – the inner path of leadership by Joseph Jaworski and The Easy Way to Stop Smoking by Allen Carr.
Q: What movie have you currently watched that stood out for you?
A: I don’t go to the cinema – too many people on their cellphones. I love film and tend to watch DVDs. My partner Warren and I have just finished watching the final season of Fringe. Some really interesting sci-fi concepts and some brilliant comic performances.
Q: What words of motivation do you find yourself using on your pupils, and do you yourself follow them?
A: ‘If you’re going to commit to something, see it through’. And no, I never do. I suppose ‘follow your dreams and do no harm’ would be the best advice I could give to anyone.
Q: Finally, where is your favourite place to get a bunny chow?
A: Sunrise Chip and Dip. I know it’s a long way to go to Brickfield Road, but they are so good.
Shows are on Tuesdays to Saturdays at 7pm, and on Saturday and Sunday at 2.30pm.
No children under six are allowed.
Bookings for Shrek are now open at Computicket. For block bookings of 10 or more, contact Ailsa Windsor of Going Places on 083-250-2690 or email editor.goingplacessa@gmail.com.
