Hugh Jones

 

#meetusmonday is back! Today we’re chatting to Hugh Jones about all things HADS. Hugh has taken on the role of Production Assistant and Prompt for our current production of Pygmalion. Having been with the Society for six years now, Hugh is no stranger to the stage….

What made you become involved in AmDram and why did you join HADS?

I was asked by friends to read for a play at another AmDram group about 15 years ago as they were in need of more actors. I hadn’t been on stagesince primary school but I gave it a go and loved it. I later moved house and HADS are closer to where I live, so in 2012 I read for Mike White’s “Katie and Peter” (based on “The Taming of the Shrew”). I got the part and found everyone to be so friendly and welcoming and our audiences so supportive. I stayed with the group and have acted in several productions since.

What is your favourite play that you’ve been in at HADS?

“The 39 Steps”. It was a different style to other productions we’ve done and I loved the challenge of telling the story with a minimal set and acting opposite the same 3 actors playing a number of different roles.

Who is your favourite character that you’ve played at HADS?

Garry Lejeune/Roger in “Noises Off” this is another of my favourite HADS productions. I loved playing this part as I was able to change character and had licence to go “over the top” with it.

What’s your favourite non-acting activity that you like to do at HADS?

I like helping out front of house, making tea, doing the raffle etc. Our audiences come along to be entertained and I love the thrill of the anticipation of the performance without the anxiety of having to remember lines!

Which character(s) from any tv/film or stage play would you most like to play?

I would like to play Aston in Harold Pinter’s “The Caretaker”. He is a complicated character and as with most Pinter works there is depth and meaning in what isn’t said and what is inferred.

I’d also like to play Alan in Yasmina Reza’s “God of Carnage”. It’s a brilliantly funny play and Alan is generally oblivious to the rising tension around him.