Page 281 - Guildhall Coverage Book 2020-21

regional theatre. Rep had long since fallen out of favour, so the promise of
paid work outside London was enticing.

Fellow Guildhall graduates Ferdy Roberts and Stephen Campbell Moore
had been offered roles too. The three of us rented a small house in
Salisbury, owned by an eccentric landlady, and began rehearsals in autumn.

I loved every second of the job. My training had prepared me well for the
rigours of rehearsing and performing two shows concurrently. My character
Ste in Beautiful Thing is younger than I was then, and from a different
background, so I relished the challenge of playing him.

I played multiple roles in The Changeling, a dense Jacobean tragedy that
required detailed text and vocal work. The company bonded very easily and
the work and the camaraderie made for as good a first paid acting job as I
could have hoped for.

There was immense pride as families and friends travelled down to see the
shows. I particularly remember a post-show meal with the late John Thaw
and Sheila Hancock, whose daughter Jo was also in the shows.

Since then, I’ve been fortunate to work on stage, television, film and
provide voice-overs for video games. I have learned that perseverance,
resilience, kindness and a sense of humour are all essential qualities to get
by in the industry. Challenge yourself to be bold in auditions, in rehearsal
and on camera.

Don’t fall into the trap of trying to ‘get it right’ because you can never
second-guess what a casting director, director or producer is looking for.
Learn to trust your instincts. Creatively, the motto ‘Wrong is Strong’ is
healthy one to live by.’’

CV Oliver Dimsdale

Age: Undisclosed

Training: Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Theatre includes: Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Great Expectations, The

Dead Wait, The Argument, The Creeper, Pravda

Other credits: Co-artistic director of Filter Theatre

Agent: Independent Talent