Dial M For Mayhem
Syndicated interview with cast member Alasdair Baker.
Tell us a little about yourself?
I originally trained as a singer at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and worked as a professional singer for a few years. I then drifted into teaching and became a teacher for 20 years!
What did you teach?
I taught languages – my degree was in German and Russian. I taught German for a long time until I realised you only get one go at life, and you have got to do something you love doing. So I came back into the profession six years ago.
Tell us about Dial M for Mayhem
It is based on reality: about how Middle Ground Theatre Company toured the Scottish Highlands playing Dial M for Murder by Fredrick Knott in early 1990’s. It is set in a tiny village hall and we see the company arrive and set up for the show while meeting some of the local characters. The performance itself does not go to plan and there is lots of hilarity along the way. There is an element of farce to it, but it’s also a lovely study of real people who show you what the life of an actor on the road is really like and how far removed it is from people’s idea of Hollywood actors!
Tell us about the two characters you play?
Firstly there’s Rupert Valentine Tinglewell(!), who back in his day was a matinee idol but now sadly is past it. He is rallying against the dying of the light, pretending he still has it when he really hasn’t.
And the other character is Alastair McGillivray, who is a Highland shepherd. He only makes the one appearance, but it is lovely and he gives you an idea of the life and atmosphere and colour outside of the village hall.
The contrast between the two characters is the aspect of the job I am enjoying the most. They have different accents and are portrayed within half an hour of each other – it’s a challenge I am enjoying.
How do you manage playing the two different characters as they appear pretty much straight after each other?
It’s a bit like panto with swapping roles, but the difference in this play is that it’s versions of real people. I have met plenty of Ruperts and Alistair’s too as my Mum grew up on the West Coast of Scotland. I spent a lot of my childhood going back and forth, so I got to know male and female versions of Alisdair during that time.
Why should people come to the show?
It has little bit of everything – it is a gentle comedy drama. It has an element of real life so when farce happens it is more believable. It’s even funnier because you know the characters exist in life and their own stories are relatable. It is a snapshot of a theatre company surviving on a shoestring and life as it is lived rather than a vehicle for comedy. In the world we are now living in there is a need for escapism and the older generation especially will find lots of nostalgia and references to enjoy and look back on.
How do you find being on tour?
It’s amazing what you get used to. As an actor you want to work, and this company is a fantastic crowd. The sort you want to keep in touch with!