Few productions arrive in the West End with greater fanfare than Stereophonic. The American play, telling the story of a fictional rock band with more than a passing resemblance to Fleetwood Mac, received a record 13 Tony nominations before the inevitable transfer across the pond.
It's a truly remarkable evening, elevated by its superb production design – the stage is transformed into a multi-level studio – and a cast who make their characters their own, performing multiple songs.
As tormented guitarist Reg, Zachary Hart will charm you in one scene and break your heart in the next. "It was going to be a part that needed my entire body and soul in it," says Hart, "and that doesn't come around often."
Book a ticket to the hottest show in town – but first, read our interview with one of its stars.
Life
What was the most exciting thing about starting Stereophonic?
Truthfully, the most exciting thing about Stereophonic was knowing I was going to have to contend with the complexities behind the character that I play. I knew it was going to be hard to play him authentically and the challenge excited me. It was going to be a part that needed my entire body and soul in it and that doesn't come around often. I knew it was going to take everything. That scared the hell out of me so I knew it was a say yes, jump in the fire and find out how to make it work later.
That, and also I am a massive Will Butler / Arcade Fire fan so getting into a room and watching that man work and do his thing was a no brainer. My love of doing what I do comes from the pure creativity of it, standing in front of a blank canvas and being able to put anything on it. This job has been pure creation. A dream.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
Looking back, getting a small part in the final season of Peaky Blinders was up there. Peaky Blinders very quickly meant everything to everyone in my area [The Black Country]. Back before I knew that being an actor was even possible, I was working in a factory and one evening me and my entire family crammed around the TV to watch the very episode. I remember the feeling and reaction of my family going ‘God, I know where that is, I know that road, I know these voices!’. We had never seen that before, and it blew us away. Between that day and the casting of the last season I somehow managed to get to drama school, sign to an agent and become a professional actor, so sneaking in it before it finished was a big win.
Having my entire family at press night of The Constituent was pretty amazing as well, being able to celebrate that moment with them. England were playing Slovenia in the Euro’s on the same night and James (Corden) had made sure they had a fair few big teles around (What a man!). I went to go and see my dad and all my family who were situated perfectly between the biggest tele and the free booze table (they’re not stupid).
This play was a three-handed, only me, James Corden and Anna Maxwell Martin, in a beautiful room on the south bank, rammed with celebrities and tiny bits of food, I get to my dad and say in his ear ‘We’re doing alright aren't we Dave?!’ He turned around and said to me ‘God… England are shit.’ With the biggest grin ever I just put my hand on his shoulder and said ‘yes we are pap, yes we are.’
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
I wouldn’t change anything right now is the honest answer. I’m trying to trust that the path you’re on is the path you’re on. I work hard and I’m obsessed with this and when someone gives me an opportunity to swing the bat, I swing it hard. I hope I get to continue to work with great writing and with great people. And I hope to make someone feel something along the way.
Also, I’d make my face look a little less like Dobby the House Elf and I’d add a couple zero’s on the end of my wage packet.
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
There’s a small collection of writers/directors whose work has really saved me over the years, got me through some dark periods. I can’t say them out loud, because then the bubble will pop and I’ll have no chance. But getting the opportunity one day to inspire through their words and vision would be insane.
I also want to work to increase artistic opportunities in working class areas. There’s an incredible amount of voices, voices that vibrate with creativity and artistry and a different way to express and at the moment they are unaware that they can speak.
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
Acting wise, I constantly re-watch scenes and clips of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Jack Nicholson. Their freedom and surrender as actors is the peak for me.
Also, I have to say, since working with James Corden he has become a massive inspiration to me. I felt immediately we were from similar worlds, so watching him navigate this world blew my mind. He leads with heart and kindness and humour and brings so much light into any room he walks in. At the same time his determination is unwavering and his work ethic is through the roof. I have never seen talent pour out of someone so purely in my life.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
I am currently, and have been for a while, in a hunt to find the best cookie in London. I’ve bought and tried A LOT. So far number one is sold at the Farmer’s Market on a Saturday on the Heath. Number two is (unexpectedly) a Gail’s chocolate chunk cookie. Also, Will Butler who I’m currently working with bakes an almighty cookie, but they don’t count. If anyone has any offerings, please be in touch.
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
Footwear!! I am always in an array of beaten-up Adidas trainers, or a beaten-up pair of Doc Martens. They have to be beaten up, otherwise where have you been? I love being in them and being comfortable, feeling myself. I love that the bit of me that's touching the ground, and connected, is the bit of me that is the most representative of me and where I've come from. My soul is in my sole.
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
I wear caps everywhere, they make me feel safe. They also keep my unruly (currently 70s) hair in place! I am basically a cartoon character, I think. I currently wear a cap that says ‘tired’ on the front which is very apt.
What's your biggest style disaster?
When I was a teenager, I went through a period of wearing thin neck scarfs, but tied around my neck like you would tie a tie. I don't know where that came from, but when I look back at pictures, I honestly can’t believe it. Maybe at some point I go hard and bring them back. Wear anything confidently enough and you can sell it I think.
Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
I had a pair of Johnny Cash classic black Raybans and I lost them. I bought them two or three times and lost them again and again. Nowadays I feel like you can't go and buy the classics in the store, I would kill to have a proper pair of them back. They’ve stopped being so angular and rounded off the edges. My face angular, I think the Rayban angles back.
What’s next on your shopping list?
Some tiny, sexy, swimming trunks. Not quite Speedo short, but short. And brightly coloured so they pop a bit. I’m always in black.
What would you buy if money was no object?
I would buy the Daniel Day Lewis, Bill the Butcher costume from Gangs of New York, with the chequered trousers, the tails and top hat, the lot. I’d wear it at home on my own and keep growling “This is a night for America!”, next to lifetime supply of Holsten Pils beer and Freddos.
Stereophonic plays at the Duke of York Theatre
