Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another installment of StageSide Stories. This time we are speaking with performer Jack Flammiger, finding out about his role in Passing, experience as a performer and any tips or tricks he may have for up and coming performers. So settle in, grab a brew and lets hear Jack’s StageSide Story.
Could you introduce yourself, your role and give a brief background into your previous experiences as a performer?
My name’s Jack Flammiger and I play the role of Matt in Daniel Sareen’s Passing. I’m primarily a theatre actor and a RADA graduate from 2019. Since graduating, I’ve appeared in numerous shows across London, as well as dabbling in some film and radio work.
Could you share some background on your acting career and what inspired you to become involved in theatre?
I started doing theatre at quite a young age. My first role was Oliver in… Oliver! at a local theatre and, much like any other theatre kid, I fell in love with the buzz of a live audience and the comradery that came with putting on a show. I started considering acting as a career when I thought about the sense of adventure that lifestyle offered. Any job could be an opportunity to go somewhere new, meet someone new or learn something new and I thought that was just an exciting way to live my life.
“Passing” is a unique production that explores themes of identity and self-acceptance. What drew you to this project, and what excites you most about your role in it?
Dan, the writer, is a close friend of mine so I was fortunate enough to read the very first draft. It’s amazing to think how much has and hasn’t changed since then. Dan’s a very intelligent and articulate writer so even in reading that first draft there was something really special and beautiful about the way he presented the conflicting views of these characters. He never puts the blame at anyone’s feet, no one is in the wrong and no one is in the right. It’s grey and it’s messy and I think that’s how we should understand these topics in life. Matt’s fun to play! He’s that familiar golden-retriever boyfriend who’s trying really hard to do his best for his girlfriend but, because of that, often falls short of impressing. It’s a comedy gold mine but Dan never forgets that Matt’s a human too, so it’s nice to also play those moments where the character is allowed to live and breathe as his own person and is not just there to please.
Can you tell us about your character in the show and how you prepared for this role, especially in a production that delves into themes of heritage and personal history for the character?
Dan’s play is loosely set in the area we used to grow up in, so there’s something eerily familiar about Matt. I feel like I know Matt… perhaps a little too well so the challenge of this role wasn’t about understanding the character but understanding the relationship to his girlfriend and her family, especially on this occasion. Rachel’s going through a lot, Matt’s the first to admit that, but how does he try to support her through that? How does he navigate the individual members of her family? What can Matt do to be as helpful as possible on such an important day? A lot of that’s in the script but it’s also in the playing of it.
How have your past experiences and training influenced your approach to acting and storytelling?
Storytelling’s key as an actor! There’s a definite artistic merit to acting, but fundamentally we’re a conduit for the writer’s message and the director’s vision. My time at drama school gave me the tools to do that. Stanislavski work around characters’ wants and needs is extremely helpful in understanding a scene but also the voice and body are useful tools of character expression that can be used to enrich the story you’re trying tell. I think that can be underestimated.
“Passing” is a heartfelt and insightful drama. How does the narrative and the exploration of Indian family heritage impact your approach to your role and the overall production?
The show celebrates Diwali and explores the biracial experience. Can you describe the collaborative process and how you work with the cast and creative team to convey these themes?
I’m answering these together as I feel as though they have similar answers for me. Passing is a wholly unique play. There are few plays that tackle mixed-race identity and equally as few that tackle the contemporary Indian-Asian experience. Even at auditions, you could tell how much this meant to so many people. This is all to say that the rehearsal room has had a lot of heart. Everyone in the room was there because they knew this story was important. It’s meant that a lot of people have shared their personal experiences and have given their own insights into the script and what that’s added is a touch of realism to what was already there. It’s been an immensely collaborative room and Imy, our director, has been a wonderful facilitator for that. My role in the room has been similar to Matt’s role in the play. How can I create space in the room for actors who are deeply affected by the themes and topics to express themselves? And similarly, how can Matt create space for Rachel to express herself in the play?
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences from working on “Passing” at Park Theatre that have had a significant impact on you as a performer?
The theatre space is incredibly intimate. Audience members are practically in the living room set with you, so naturalism is key! That’s why it’s been so wonderful to work with such experienced actors from TV and Film, the Kings and Queens of naturalism! My biggest take away from this show will be to keep breathing as a character in the space. It’s sounds stupid (and maybe it is!) but often when I’m listening to another character, I can forget to properly breathe, lock up physically and then the character dies. And that’s not very natural… to not breathe! So the challenge in this intimate space was to keep the character alive even when listening. And that’s all in the breath.
What do you find most fulfilling about your role in this production, and how has it influenced your acting career and artistic aspirations?
I’ve been involved in this project for 3 years so it’s been a long road. Before we had a spot at the Park Theatre, I had a very different hat on. This is the first show where I’ve been a part of the development process and I think that’s greatly changed my perspective on my career in theatre. I see my future in the industry less as an actor and more as a creative. I love acting but I also love theatre, no matter what role I take in it. Whether it’s as an actor, a dramaturg or even a writer as long as I continue to have a place in this industry, I’m happy.
Finally, what piece of advice would you give to someone looking to start a career as a performer?
Be curious! Be open to new experiences and learning new skills regardless of how fruitful they seem at the time, because I promise you, they will open doors for you at some point down the line.
Passing plays at the Park Theatre until the 25th, so there are still a few opportunities to see the show! Will you be going to see the show?
Tickets available here: https://parktheatre.co.uk/whats-on/passing
Have your say!
Are you thinking of starting a career as a performer? Are you training in musical theatre, acting, dance or any other performance style? How are you finding the process, and do you have any tips for fellow performers? Let me know in the comments and lets get a discussion going!
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