Introducing Errol Anderson

This week on drama* on the waterfront, we meet Errol Anderson.  Errol is tackling his first role at Circa Theatre; he plays the extremely handsome and charming (if totally silent) Daryl in The Travelling Squirrel.

Errol Anderson plays 'Daryl' in The Travelling Squirrel.  Photo by Stephen A'Court.

How has this experience been for you?

If I could describe the experience thus far with one word it would be humbling. I mean, imagine being picked for the starting All Black line-up? One, you must've done something right to get picked and two, you're bound to get on a roll because your playing alongside some of the best. Plus I don't have any lines, which allows me to kick back and appreciate my fellow actors' processes. It has been very grounding and I get to learn something new everyday. It's a hard life!

What other productions have we seen you in around Wellington?

I was very lucky to be involved in 2080 written by Aroha White and directed by Katie Wurahi at BATS Theatre earlier this year. I remember going into the audition room lines learnt, 'dropping a free' (rapping), and it all went quite nicely. My style is pretty raw and loose when it comes to this stuff,  but Katie had my back and smashed me. My performance wouldn't have been where it was without the support and love of Hapai Production, fellow actors Susie Berry, Acushla-Tara Sutton, Nua Finau, and Aroha and Katie. These are some incredible people.

Errol with co-star Claire Waldron in rehearsal for The Travelling Squirrel.  Photo by Tabitha Arthur.

Has theatre always been a passion of yours?

I come from a house of strong and creative people. We're split into either athletes or artisans - both performers, but slightly different stages. I owe my physical discipline and creativity to my father Royce Anderson - 'The Carver' - who trained our minds and bodies to excel when it wanted to give up. Naturally, I leaned toward a career in rugby because I understood it and Raywen Anderson my mother - 'The Backbone' - taught me how to play strategically, and how to cut people in half with tackles that people would come to see. Seeing how proud my parents were sideline would fuel my drive to win. It was only a matter of time until I took these teachings and transcribed them into theatre and film; once my body could no longer take anymore serious injuries. Theatre and film are places where I can share my skills through telling stories.

Errol (front & centre) with the full cast of The Travelling Squirrel.  Photo by Tabitha Arthur.

What are the things your have found most interesting about the The Travelling Squirrel?

It's a quirky tale about how fickle the entertainment industry is and the characters you may run into on this rocky road we call showbiz. What's not to like?

What are your plans following The Travelling Squirrel?

I've recently been cast in the play All Our Sons, written by Witi Ihimaera and directed by Nathaniel Lees, which goes up in Circa Theatre after we close The Travelling Squirrel. I'm really excited to get amongst the team in this production, because I know most of the cast in one way or another and am keen to breathe life into this piece, because it is so close to home.

The Travelling Squirrel is on at Circa Theatre until 2 October.
Book now:  ph 801 7992 or www.circa.co.nz