by Priscilla

Jun.18, 2010, under Cast Blog

We asked you to send in your questions for Ben. Here are the first set of them and his answers.

What attracted you to Priscilla and the role of Tick?

I’ve done loads of interviews and people always ask me what do you prefer, theatre or TV? It really depends on the part, but if something challenges me then I’m interested. I left the Bill after 3 years. I’d wanted to get out and have a new challenge and Priscilla approached me and asked if I would be interested in auditioning. I hadn’t really thought about this show. I thought it was way too different and not what I do. Then I thought, well if I’m looking for a challenge this is it and if I could pull it off it would be amazing. So I came to see the show and absolutely fell in love with it and fell in love with the role of Tick. I thought it will be a great challenge and really wanted to do it. Luckily the producers took the gamble and here I am.

Ben Richards

What is your favourite moment in Priscilla?

There are some really powerful moments. I love when the bus is being painted in Colour My Worldbecause it comes off such a big high after Broken Hill. I also love the moments we create between the three of us. The scenes with Benji are great, because I suppose the whole show is gearing towards that moment and their meeting. I find the first costume changes on stage still absolutely frightening and daunting. There are so many moments in this show to choose from it is hard.

Is it different when you act opposite the different children playing Benji?

They are all brilliant kids. It’s great because it keeps it fresh. You just have to listen to them. Graham, our resident director, does a fantastic job of getting them ready. They each have their own little ways of playing the role and that makes it fresh and exciting for me. As n actor it brings out different things from my performance.

Was it daunting replacing Jason?

Yeah. Massively. The show is established now and everyone is in their rhythm. My rhythm is going to be different. I have my own ways of doing things and my own thoughts of what I want to do with the role. It is hard for some people that have got used to Jason; luckily I’ve had the backing to do that and the backing of the cast. It is a different performance and I hope that people enjoy it as much as they did with Jason.