Who are you and what role are you playing in Lady Windermere’s Fan? I’m Craig Sephton, playing the Nature’s Gentleman from Australia, Mr. Hopper. A fun character to play as he has come to 1800 London as a business man who’s invited to the gatherings of the Upper Echelon class, it may have something to do with the character’s family money.
What is your background in theatre? At Walterdale? This is my first role at the Walterdale, and my first time in a long time getting out from backstage and into the light. I grew up performing in theatre, pantomimes as well as a singer/songwriter, but had expanded my skills into the technical side. I am ever so grateful to be back on stage with such an incredible cast, crew and in a beautiful venue.
What brought you out for the show? Even though it is set over 100 years ago, I feel a lot of its themes and messages still resonate today. And what drew me in were the characters throughout the play, it would be hard pressed to not relate to one of them and I know everyone knows someone like each of the characters.
Why do you think audiences should come see this show? It is a hilarious, tense and relatable story. The cast is stunning and again I feel so honoured to share space with them on stage. Everyone will be in for a treat, and everyone will take something different away from it.
What has been the most enjoyable thing about being in the show? The most challenging? By far the most fun part of working on the show is the connection with everyone working on it, it’s become like a big family. Some people (like myself) are new and some are veterans but we are all treated equally and given the respect and room to create what we see in this play. The most challenging thing… for my character is his background, having done a lot of research you can’t find all too much on him. But really, that makes it an extremely exciting part to create parts of him.
What’s your favorite Oscar Wilde quote?
“The same words that 20 years ago…” – is one that sticks out to me. Not because I have many years under my belt, but makes me think of what I am doing now and what decisions I am making now that will impact me 20 years from now… a deep thinker.