Actor Jason relishes his UK roles
THE play’s the thing for actor Jason Eddy. The young Bermudian has recently joined the Guildford Shakespeare Company — a troupe in Surrey specialising in open-air Shakespeare.
“I started acting really early. I must have been about ten when I did one of the pantos with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society. I did a couple more and play or two at the Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society,” recalled 25-year-old Mr. Eddy, speaking from the UK in between rehearsals for A Midsummer Night’s Dream,<$> which opened yesterday.
“I then went to school in Canada, where I had a really fantastic drama teacher who told me I could actually do this if I wanted to.
From there, Mr. Eddy has hardly looked back. He spent two years at the American Musical & Dramatic Society in New York before studying at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London — an institution that counts among its alumni Daniel Craig and Orlando Bloom.Mr. Eddy talent is obvious and so is his passion for the stage.
“I’ve done mostly Shakespeare. My first job was in Othello as Rodrigo. Right before this (play) I did Measure for Measure.
“I wouldn’t say I’m specialising but I love it, which is probably why I enjoy myself so much.”
But as the Bard himself said, the course of true love never did run smooth. Jason has seen both the joys and trials of being an actor.
“It takes you a while to find your feet, but you effectively are your own business. They teach you how to act, which is half the battle, but you really have to get out their and find your own parts.
“For every one actor working here, there are eight who aren’t. I think I was aware of the reality. I remember talking to my dad when he was a bit sceptical.
“I thought then I’d rather be really poor and do what I love doing, than making a lot of money doing something I don’t enjoy.”
Though if being an unemployed actor is difficult, having work might just be harder. For the past fortnight, Mr. Eddy’s schedule has consisted of gruelling rehearsals for A Midsummer’s Night in the day and performance of Twelfth Night in the evening. Nevertheless, his enthusiasm remains undimmed.
“In terms of what I like to happen with my career it’s going to be in the UK, London is the place to be . . . people still value the theatre, go to the theatre, put money in theatre. I would love to do a little bit of film and a little bit of telly.
“I think I will explore the idea of returning home someday to teach, or direct. However, the possibilities in theatre are really limited in Bermuda.”
Although Jason credits his success to hard work and the support of family and friends, he admits that it would not have been possible without grants from the Bermuda Arts Council and other local arts scholarships, which he calls a ‘godsend’.
“I would say if you really have a dream and you’re passionate about it definitely go for it, you never know if you don’t try. For myself, I never wanted think ‘what if?’ I’d rather fail dreadfully than have that regret.”
If Mr. Eddy’s own career is any guide, this is advice worth following.
Jason relishes roles
