Edward Harrison, starring in Wolf Hall parts 1 & 2.

Edward Harrison, currently starring in Wolf Hall Parts 1 & 2 at the Winter Garden Theater spoke to us about his earliest memory of theater and his experience thus far performing in this Royal Shakespeare Production!

Where did you grow up? Do you have a theatrical family?

• "I come from Peterborough, East England. It's so flat there - it used to be under the sea and there's a post near my house marking the lowest point in England. Take that as you will. My father was a barber and my mother an embroiderer so not sure where I get it from. I was a shy child so perhaps it was an outlet for me. I suppose pretending to be someone else on a stage, wearing a mask if you like, allowed me to develop confidence."
  
  
  

What is your earliest memory of theater? When did you realize you wanted to be an actor?

• "For some odd reason, my mum and I went to see Return of the Native at the local theatre. It's a heavy tragedy and I was 10 years old. We were mid row and I remember going to the bathroom several times - probably to escape. I felt no absolutely no urge or interest to be an actor. Three years later I auditioned for the local pantomime for something to do. Now I'm on Broadway. Funny world."

What was your first job?

• "I used to work on the door of my uncles comedy club. My job was to enroll members.I got £20 every Sunday night. I used to watch the comedians every week and became  fascinated by what worked and what didn't. Looking back, it was a real learning curve in terms of timing and poise and judging a room."

Looking back on your first acting experience and now, what would you say you learned the most?

• "My first professional acting job was playing a Toy Soldier in a Christmas show in West Wales. Children's theatre taught me a lot - it requires so much skill in terms of clarity and physicality, not to mention keep the attention of a theatre packed with kids. I think I still like to explore the physical life of a character. What you're doing in terms of body language and gesture can tell so many stories."

Where did you get your theatrical training? Was there a particular instructor that inspired you and gave you words that you live by?

• "I trained at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts for 3 years but have to thank my secondary school drama teacher for encouraging me in the first place. I think it's a big deal when someone says you're good at something. I took hold of it and made a career. I feel like I should get in touch with her now...A particular favourite when it comes to sayings and mantras - "love the art in yourself not yourself in the art" - so important to keep your feet on the ground."

Tell us about Wolf Hall and your role(s) in it! What is it like playing roles in two separate plays (part 1 and part 2)?

• "Wolf Hall is an incredibly exciting and gutsy political thriller. I play George Boleyn - brother to Queen Anne and a dangerous man. He's shallow and power hungry and pompous. I also get to play Edward Seymour - brother of Jane who is almost completely opposite. It's a real treat to play the two brothers of two different queens, particularly as they are such a contrast. I'm new to the Broadway production and have been warmly welcomed by this amazing company."
  
  
  

What is your favorite New York spot?

• "I love walking by the Hudson at sunset listening to music. It's very zen and feels very New York to me. But don't get me wrong, I still get wide eyed when I walk through Times Square! I have a very nerdy inner tourist."

What has it been like performing for audiences thus far on Broadway?

• "Exhilarating and gratifying. The buzz of the city spills into the theatre and the audiences are superb. In my experience, the show is very playful and genuinely changes from night to night. I think that's important for a 15 week run. Its about keeping it fresh night after night."

What is your favorite movie, TV show, book?

• "Impossible! All time favourite film? Home Alone. It's nostalgic and I can mouth along. I love my TV. Girls is genius. 24 has me jumping off the sofa and Walking Dead has me grabbing the cushion. I'm going to go classic with the book. Catcher in the Rye."

What is your guilty pleasure?

• "Reality TV and cheesecake. Oh, cheesecake."