Jack Shalloo is an English actor who is known for his role as Lewis in Our House, Hamlet in Hamlet The Musical and Pete in Departure Lounge. As a solo singer Shalloo released the album “London Soul” in 2011.
As part of “Ask The Star” we spoke to Jack about whether Hamlet The Musical will come back and his super powers as a red head!How did you get into performing, was there a particular performance you saw that resonated with you?
My Mum has always loved theatre so she took me to a lot of stuff really early on..I loved Oliver and I would sing along to Aladdin a lot too!
Where did you train?
When I was a kid I went to a part time school called Colin’s Performing Arts, I stayed on at 16 and did a musical theatre course. It wasn’t a very well known place and I left at 19 so it was very hard for me when I left. I did lots of class too at the Actors Centre and a Director called Rikki Beadle-Blair coached me a lot too.
What was your first acting role?
I was in Cabaret at the Queens Theatre Hornchurch directed by Bob Carlton , I played a little Nazi boy !! Ha !
You released a solo album London Soul in 2011 do you plan to release more music?
I do yes…but I’ve been saying that a lot and haven’t actually done it! I would love to release a ska album.What is the most rewarding thing about your work?
I guess its when you make people feel something. I did a show called ‘the Girl from the North Country’ and it made a lot of people sad but in a cathartic way. It was really moving to see that you can really affect people with your work
What’s your next project?
I’m currently filming something called London Kills, a cop drama shot documentary style.
What’s been a funny moment for you on stage? Any mishaps you want to share?
When I was a kid I was in Whistle down the wind at the Aldwych and I slipped over in the bows and as I was mid air I heard the audience gasp. After I landed I jumped straight back up and took a bow..i was a confident child !!
If you hadn’t have been a performer what would you be doing?
I used to think I’d be a policeman. But I think I just liked The Bill!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I swim, write, watch lots of tele, I walk a lot. Eat a lot!
Do you think the industry has changed a lot since you started out?
Yes, there’s a lot more expected of you now “here’s seventeen pages for tomorrow please be off book”. I have been cast a lot lately just from a self tape, you don’t even meet the director till filming. Things like that. No one has any time any more it seems.What advice would you give to someone who would like to get into the industry?
If your new and starting out I’d say…Go and see stuff. Be seen, be heard, have a website, a showreel, up to date headshots, social media, make your own work, write.. make it your life but balance it with other things that make you happy. The whole industry is about balance. Surround yourself with positive people. If you’re thinking of trying it then go to drama school…if you’re not going to go to drama school go do class, watch everything you can. Be tough cause it’s tougher.
Who are your influences and inspirations?
Mathew Warchus, Jack Thorne, Paddy Considine, Emma Thompson, Eddie Marsan, Idris Elba, Shirley Henderson, Sam Mendes, Lennie James, Emily Blunt, Che Wlker, Roy Williams, Emma Rice …. LOADS MORE!
Is there a role (regardless of gender) you would love to play in a show?
I would love to play Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar.Do you have any hidden talents that would surprise our readers?!
No not really, but did you know red heads produce their own vitamin D? Im basically super human.
What’s your go to song for auditions or even in the shower?!
Latley – Stevie Wonder
Random Extra question We loved you in Hamlet The Musical do you think the show will have a revival at some point?
Sadly not…but never say never ey!
Finally where can people follow your work on Twitter/Facebook/YouTube etc?
TWITTER – @jackshalloo
INSTA – @jshalloo
