10 Questions: An interview with James Weisz
Our spotlight today falls on James Weisz. James is performing in not one, but THREE shows at the Brighton Festival Fringe: Clamp’d, on the 3rd May, The End of the World Show! on the 14th May and The Four D’Oeuvres on the 20th and 22nd May. Being part of the Residential Alien Productions company James is clearly a versatile performer so let’s learn more about James and his shows…
1. What inspired you to become a performer?
I appeared as Tiny Tim in a Christmas Show in Brighton when I was 4; that was it.
2. What is your show about and what should the public expect from your show?
We are producing three original pieces, of which I appear in all of them. They are great fun, and very funny. We like to perform shows people will leave smiling and laughing too.
3. What is your favourite Festival/Fringe and why?
It has to be Brighton. I was born here and remember my folks taking me to see the streets of Brighton, being in the parade when I was in school and my education in Theatre has been in the festival.
4. What’s your best advice for aspiring theatre performers on the Festival/Fringe circuit?
You can never promote your show enough.
5. What is your funniest experience and also your worst experience performing or attending a Fringe/Festival?
I performed to one person in Edinburgh 2006 that was bit low; though he did give each of us a fiver for the effort.
The producer/lead actor ran away in 2004, he was playing Queen Mary. I got a call from him as he was driving down the motorway. This meant the cast and myself could enjoy Edinburgh expenses paid for two weeks! That was pretty darn funny.
6. As you travel performing to different festivals/fringes, where is your favourite place to vacation and chill out and why?
Watching a play, a movie, - comedy is great to relax too. Watching someone else work is very satisfying and comforting.
7. Who is the person you most admire and why?
Mike Carter, a theatre producer/writer in Brighton – he is a no nonsense, nice guy that gets things done. He was my first professional director.
8. What is the best tip you have ever been given?
Heath Ledger wrote me “James, Dance as if no-ones watching” – That’s a pretty good tip. Also “Ignore the f***ers!” Is also very valuable.
9. What is the best book you have read and why do you like it?
Whats My Motivation? – I can relate to it~Best biography of an actor I have read.
10. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be?
I am a strong believer in Rights and Injustice, so it would be for everyone to have a say and a voice.
