Kicking off our 2010 Buxton Festival Fringe interviews, we take a trip into the perplexing world of gambling with Glaswegian croupier Alex Moran in his Tales from the Blackjack. On at this year’s Buxton Fringe from the 17th to 21st July you can see this darkly captivating show at the Underground Venues.
Thereafter, Tales from the Blackjack travels to the Athens of the North for the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe . Knowing a good bet, let’s catch a quick chat with Alex…
1. What inspired you to become a performer and entertainer?
In primary school when I was five, we’d all sit down and be picked out one by one for the school’s production. I used to kick and scream when I didn’t get a part. Ever since then I’ve always wanted to perform, I’ve had the bug for quite a while.
2. What’s your show about and where are you taking your show after the Buxton Fringe?
Tales from the Blackjack is a solo performance about the darker side of casino gambling. It introduces three tales of life inside the casino’s four walls for three unique punters. The show was recently performed at The Lowry and after Buxton will be going onto the Edinburgh Fringe for the entire run in August.
3. What are you most proud of?
Definitely Blackjack, because of the grass roots. To start something off from scratch, perform it in a tiny pub with literally no space to swing a cat in, and see it build into a critically acclaimed professional production. It’s fantastic!
4. If you had a chance to work with anyone of your choosing, who would it be?
David Tennant. He’s been my favourite actor since I was sixteen. He’s so consistent, every character he plays is always spot on. He’s incredibly interesting to watch.
5. What kind of questions do you most like to be asked about your work and why?
Hmmm….. I don’t get asked many. It’s nice when people comment on how hard you’ve worked, but also when they tell you that the show can be even better than what it is now. I’m still very young, and I’m constantly trying to improve.
6. Do the reviewers of Fringe shows do a good job?
Yes, definitely. To cover so many shows in such a short space of time, I couldn’t do it!
7. What do you feel about the current state of Arts funding available?
I’m worried, I think that if it declines further it prevents the smaller companies from growing into something more. I’m a big fan of PANDA, I think they’re doing a great job.
8. Which three famous people would you invite to dinner and why [dead celebrities included]? And what tasty treat would you prepare?
Shakespeare, just to see how his imagination works. Ricky Gervais, he’s so funny, I don’t think there’d ever be a dull moment. Derren Brown, he’s a genius, and I just don’t understand how he does it.
And to serve: Medium rib-eye steak, béarnaise sauce, side salad, french fries, pancakes and ice cream (so specific)!
9. What do you do to relax?
A takeaway, bottle of Magners and a Christopher Nolan film. There’s nothing better.
10. What would be your dream come true?
To work regularly on the west end, with respect from the critics of course!
