Actor Leo Wan plays the Prince of Wales in Chariots of Fire at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. He tells us all about the the sweaty preparations!
Tell us a bit about Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire is a stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning screenplay from 1981. It’s inspired by the real-life events of the 1924 Paris Olympics – so our production will mark the centenary. It follows the rivalry between the runners Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams. Both find themselves in conflict with the establishment. Liddell, a devout Christian, is pressured to compromise his beliefs in order to run at the Olympics. Abrahams, who is Jewish, runs to challenge prejudice. Both characters have remarkable drive – and our story follows their attempts to overcome adversity.
What specifically attracted you to work on this show?
The Crucible is my favourite theatre and so I’ll always jump at the chance to work here. I grew up in Sheffield and was a member of the Crucible Youth Theatre. My love for theatre was formed in that building so it’s a special place for me to perform. I’ve had the privilege of working here twice before and was sad to hear that Rob Hastie was leaving as Artistic Director – I think he’s served the theatre and the city with both ambition and care. It’s a gift to me both as an actor and Sheffielder to get to work on his final production as director.
You play The Prince of Wales, how have you found getting under his skin? Any similarities?
I play the Prince of Wales in 1924, who would go on to become the briefly crowned Edward VIII before abdicating so that he could marry Wallis Simpson. He was an early global celebrity and playboy – so not a great deal of similarities there. But his personal story represents quite an extreme example of the expectations that family and society can place on us and how we accommodate those or not – I think that’s something anyone can identify with. I watched interviews with him ahead of the audition – he does have quite a specific way of speaking and a particular physicality (he’s an extravagant man-spreader), but I’m not attempting an impersonation – I suppose it’s an informed invention.
What’s the rehearsal room like?
Extremely sweaty! Especially now Summer has finally arrived. We start each day with circuit training, so there’s a gymnasium vibe to the room – which feels appropriate. Aside from that, it’s a room full of great people. Rob has assembled a company of really talented and enthusiastic and kind actors. It’s a really ambitious show – with loads of moving parts. It’s a challenge to represent a series of races on stage – but Rob Hastie (director) and Ben Wright (Movement Director and Choreographer) have found really exciting ways to do it. There’s been lots of goosebump moments in the room.
Did you have much of a relationship with running/athletics before?
No, I’ve never been much of a runner so I anticipated that this job would be challenging – as all the best jobs are. Thankfully (for both me and the audience, perhaps) I don’t have to do too much running in the show myself – one of the advantages of playing royalty, I suppose. However, watching some of the, ahem, younger members of the company – they are incredibly impressive athletes on the stage.
What’s next for you?
Not a clue – it’s been a very busy year for me so far, so I’ll be taking advantage of the break to go on holiday with my family. And then it will be back to searching for the next gig.
Chariots of Fire runs 6-27 July 2024 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/chariots-of-fire
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