Ahead of his debut at the RSC in Stratford this month, the Olivier Award-winning actor and TV star talks all-things Brum, from singing in the church choir and dancing to hip hop at the Power House to his love for the Rep and MAC – and the need to give local kids more access to the arts 

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT

I started singing with St Chad’s Cathedral Choir aged nine. I stayed with them for six years. As well as raising my confidence another chorister in the choir made me aware of the Midlands Arts Centre, which is where I spent nearly every summer from 12 to 18. I joined the children’s opera company there before joining Birmingham Youth Theatre. This then led to an interest in acting which pushed me onto drama school. 

HOMETOWN MEMORIES

I would walk to and from choir through town and then down the Bristol road to our flat. I got to know every inch of the area. I loved town. Meeting friends outside the library. Or on the Ramp before heading into the shopping precinct. (This is all quite a few years ago!) I particularly remember the teenage hip hop nights on a Monday at the Power House when kids 14 to 18 could meet friends, dance to hip hop, 80’s soul, funk and pop. Only soft drinks were sold, of course. All us kids would dress up and pay our 50p to get in. It was fantastic! 

WHAT I’D LIKE TO SEE

One of my wishes is to see Birmingham take its place as a hotbed of artistic creativity in the country. I want it to be known for its dance and drama companies. We need more homegrown bands making a name for themselves internationally. 

BIGGEST SUCCESS

Personally, my kids. I have two girls and it is a real pleasure to watch them take their place in the world as young women. I am pleased to have gotten a Black Belt in Taekwondo. I wasn’t the youngest in the room and I had to push myself out of my comfort zone to get it. It still reminds me what I can achieve even when I am sure I will fail. 

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED

There are so many situations that come to mind where I would do things differently. A common theme is that I would be more prepared to state clearly what I wanted and what I didn’t want and protect the boundary in between. 

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT BRUM

The Rep, Midlands Arts Centre, and the fact that my family still live there.

WHAT ABOUT THE LOCAL ARTS SCENE

More! We need more of it. More kids being allowed easy access so that can have a go, More live music on Broad Street. The clubs should open their doors to live bands during the early part of the week. Get people playing, collaborating and working together in the understanding that it is possible to reach an audience and get a weekly following. Also, the knowledge that you get better in front of an audience by having places to practise.

DOWNTIME

I love watching films and series. I like other people’s work.