Interview with Tristan Gemmill: Frank Farmer in The Bodyguard
Joining the cast of The Bodyguard this month are award-winning recording artist Beverley Knight as Rachel Marron, and Tristan Gemmill who takes over the role of bodyguard Frank Farmer.
The Bodyguard, is a musical based on the fabulous smash-hit film of the same name and is at the Adelphi Theatre in London’s West End.
Tristan recently took time out to answer a few questions about his career and his role in The Bodyguard.
You went to Holmewood House School and then with an academic scholarship to Tonbridge. How much was performing arts a part of your time at school? What was your favourite subject?
I did lots of plays at both schools. My favourite subject was English.
Your family moved to Australia when you were aged 15. What did you enjoy most about being in Australia and what did you miss most about England?
I loved the climate and lifestyle. I missed my friends although they did come and visit!
You studied drama at Melbourne University. What was your most memorable moment there?
Anthony Hopkins coming to see my play Othello after my brother sent him a letter asking him to come and see the show.
Did anyone in particular inspire you to want to be an actor?
No, it’s something I always wanted to do.
What was your first professional acting role?
I played a victim of a car theft in Australia’s Most Wanted.
You have extensive television credits but are probably best known for playing Dr Adam Trueman in Casualty. What do you most enjoy about working on television and in particular Casualty?
The continuity of playing the same character for four years was a wonderful opportunity.
What can you tell us about your roles in the newly-released British independent film Flying Blind and the fantasy adventure film Mariah Mundi And The Midas Box.
In Flying Blind I played a guy who fancied Helen Mcrory, who sadly didn’t reciprocate and in Mariah Mundi and The Midas Box I played a Victorian secret agent.
As well as film and television you have also appeared in various productions on stage. Which has been your most enjoyable role so far?
I loved playing Stanley Kowalski in a Street Car Named Desire at the Theatre Clwyd.
In September this year you are joining the cast of The Bodyguard as Frank Farmer, following on from Lloyd Owen. How will you look to add your own style to the role?
I’m very much looking forward to beginning the whole process and adding my own style to the role.
Have you watched Lloyd Owen in the role to see his take on it?
I have already seen the show and he is absolutely terrific.
You will be working alongside Beverley Knight and an extremely talented cast. What are you looking forward to most about being in the show?
Being sung to every night by the stunningly talented Beverley Knight is going to be pretty amazing.
Do you have a favourite Whitney Houston song?
I love them all!
Why should The Bodyguard be on everyone’s must see shows?
Because it absolutely delivers on every level.
Have you any message to those following your career?
Gosh – keep the faith and I hope I never bore you!
Interview questions by Neil Cheesman @LondonTheatre1
Friday 6th September 2013
