Actor and writer Reece Shearsmith talks to Jane McGowan about his latest stage role
Hugo Glendinning
Looking back over Reece Shearsmith’s career from the creepy cult comedy, League of Gentlemen, through the nastiness of Inside Number 9 to his terrifying turn as real life serial killer, Malcolm Webster in ITV’s The Widower, it will come as no surprise to anyone to learn that his next role is also on the darker side as the needy, over-attentive Norman in Ronald Harwood’s play, The Dresser.
The drama revolves around Norman and a once-great Shakespearean actor referred to throughout as “Sir” (played by Ken Stott) who, against all advice, is starring as Lear in his weary company’s production of King Lear. Norman is Sir’s dresser, a man who often goes above and beyond his role as wardrobe master.
“Norman is his little slave really,” explains Shearsmith. “He has devoted his life to Sir and his needs. He really would have no life without Sir. We meet them at a very stressful point and Norman is just trying to get Sir through this final night. Although it’s very funny, it’s a very moving play and theirs is a thrilling relationship to watch.”
Reece, 47, grew up in Hull and at 18 was struggling to choose between a future in art or drama. On the advice of his teacher he hedged his bets and headed to teacher training college, Bretton Hall near Leeds where, as he says “he could do a bit of both”. Once there, he met fellow students, Mark Gatiss and Steve Pemberton. The three later hooked up with Jeremy Dyson, and the foursome (which eventually became the League of Gentlemen) began writing and performing. The rest, as they say, is history.
“Oh we had years in the wilderness,” he laughs. “We were trying and failing – performing night after night in pubs for our friends. But when we got to the Edinburgh Festival in 1996 that was the breakthrough, and we were finally seen by the people who could help us.”
Although probably best known for his TV roles, Shearsmith has a fine body of theatre work – including stints at the Old Vic and The Royal Court – behind him. He has also tried his hand at musical comedy, in the 2006 West End revival of The Producers.
“I did that show for a year. It’s an exhausting experience and I was at the physio twice a week with injuries,” he says. “Being on stage is hard but I’m not moaning. It’s not like being a trawler fisherman. My brother’s a fisherman and that is hard work.”
The Dresser is at Richmond Theatre from September 8 – 17. Visit at atgtickets.com for further details.
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