Stuart Walker, the award winning British actor talks career & future

Wolf Marloh Photography

Stuart Walker is an East 15 trained British actor who was recently brought in by Fulwell 73 to perform in a skit for ‘The Late Late Show with James Corden in London’. He has performed in ‘The Nutcracker’ at The Royal Albert Hall, recorded ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for BBC Radio 3 and his latest comedy ‘Tech Support’ received Honourable Mention at the London Short Film ‘90 Second Sci-Fi Challenge 2018‘. Stuart is a winner of The LAMDA & Allied Irish Bank (GB) Advanced Performance Award.

indieactivity: How did you become an actor?
Stuart: I feel like its really an ongoing process but I can remember a particular turning point after I saw Alan Bennet’s ‘The History Boys’ at The Royal National Theatre. I was 15 and had been taking LAMDA lessons for 3 years but still doubted myself as a performer. I don’t know what it was, perhaps because the actors were playing school kids themselves I felt a stronger connection to them, but I suddenly saw no difference between what they were doing on stage and what I was doing in LAMDA exams in front of the panel. It was the same energy, the same passion. I knew it would not be easy, but it finally felt right.

‘Tech Support’ receives Special Mention @LondonShortFilm ’90 Second Sci-Fi Challenge’! Judges: @ChelmsFilmFest & @SciFiForEver! #SupportIndieFilm @indieactivity @OcchiMagazine @filmindependent @FilmInquiry @BuzzFeedUK @EW @thefollowmg @BFI @IndieWire @Slant_Magazine @TZelementMAG pic.twitter.com/T4xVn7rpCQ

— Stuart Walker (@StuWalkerActor) April 24, 2018

I can’t believe that after seeing James Corden perform in ‘The History Boys’ I would be working with him on ‘The Late Late Show’ 14 years later! I have to thank my LAMDA teacher Darin Mount who told me “Just follow your heart”.

indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Stuart: I don’t like to be regimental about these things but my main influencers are certainly Stanislavski & Uta Hagen. When the camera is rolling its not about thinking; its about listening, reacting and trusting your instincts.

indieactivity: What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting?
Stuart: Some actors (myself included) can put acting on a pedastool. I mean there are reasons for that but we also need reminding it is in us. We shouldn’t distance ourselves from that, rather continue to listen to ourselves and trust our instincts.

indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Stuart: I’ve attended tonnes of short courses & workshops over the years to develop current skills and also learn new ones. I’m currently keeping fresh with shows for Comedy Dining.

indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role?
Stuart: I tend to start with Stanislavski’s “7 questions”. This will not only establish the basics like “Who am I?” but also what the character wants and how to get it. Its a pretty good all-rounder. I try to as much as I can before I step into the rehearsal room. There is always room to play with things and make new discoveries but the more you have to start with the better.

If in doubt I always go back to the script, it should all be in there.

Stuart Walker as Daniel Roberts in Short Film BAD REASONS, © Christopher Blain

indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Stuart: Last year I played Detective Frank Hart in the crime-noir ‘Take Your Fancy’ directed by Edward Evans. We had a packed schedule and the scenes involved slick comic timing. The clear, well executed vision of our director and the professionalism & support of the crew and my co-star Alex Kapila really enhanced my performance – you can tell its going well when the crew laugh at the funny bits!

indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Stuart: I recently played gangster Jack McVinty in the whodunit ‘The Krays Game’ with award winning director Gem McNeil. We were filming the scene where Jack is being interrogated on suspicion of murder. In the script Jack lights a cigarette. I choose on set to talk with the unlit cigarette hanging from my mouth with an air of nonchalance to taunt the detective. I hope it was a nice touch.

indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Stuart: Simply to establish an atmosphere of mutual respect and a safe working environment.

Stuart Walker as Detective Frank Hart in Short Film TAKE YOUR FANCY, FFP / © Edward Evans

indieactivity: What actors do you long to work with?
Stuart: Andrew Scott

indieactivity: Why?
Stuart: I just saw him in ‘Sea Wall’ by Simon Stephens at The Old Vic. What a masterful delivery – he was so free and playful yet always in control. I didn’t take me eyes off him from start to finish – he was so immersed in the character. It would be a real honour to work with him.

indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Stuart: Don’t sit and wait for the phone to ring. Take things into your own hands.

indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Stuart: Since drama school I’ve had mostly serious roles, but this year has been full of comedy! I’ve loved it all but I really hit the ground running recently with comedy sketches, comedy dining shows and then working on ‘The Late Late Show’ – it’s been awesome! I really feel like I’ve found a sweet spot.

I’m currently in talks with Korky Films about several short comedies. You can check out my latest comedy sketches on YouTube or Instagram.