What is your favourite memory of your time at Brighton College?
Performing extracts of Jez Butterworth’s Mojo for our A-level drama exam. I played the part of ‘Potts’, and our group opened with a proper rock ‘n’ roll band performance – it went down really well. I would say it was the moment where I really clicked that I wanted to be an actor. Mojo is still my all-time favourite play and it is my life’s ambition to put on a production and play ‘Potts’ again.
What takes up most of your time at the moment?
A lot of rehearsals and shows – I am very lucky to be moving from job to job. Two weeks ago I finished a run of a new musical called Longitude in London: we had four weeks of rehearsals and three weeks of performances. I had a week off and then went straight into rehearsals for Whiplash. After that is wrapped up I’ll be acting in Le nozze di Figaro at the Royal Ballet and Opera. I’ve recently started taking singing lessons from a opera singer I met the last time I was at Covent Garden – maybe in a few years’ time I will be singing there too!
What about your life now would most surprise your Brighton College teachers?
A couple of decades ago the arts were not taken as seriously as they are now. There was a real stress on academics when I was at College, with music and drama seen more as ‘hobbies’. I messed about in class quite a bit as a result, and got in a little trouble! I think it would surprise my teachers that I was able to make a career in the arts and am still going strong.
What about your life now would most surprise you as a Brighton College starter?
Baldness – at the ripe age of 28! Joking aside, I think it would surprise me that during my years at College I found what I wanted to do in life, and that that dream and passion has stuck.
What excites you about the future?
Everything that I can do next. I am still at the start of my career and it has taken a while just to get here, but it will be exciting to see how far I can take it and if I can achieve everything I want to. Shakespeare at the Globe would be the dream – ‘Petruchio’ in The Taming of the Shrew is the ideal role.
How has your time at Brighton College shaped your outlook on life?
It has to be the sense of community. I made life-long friends over my 15 years at Brighton, from Pre-Prep to Sixth Form: 15 years – that is over half of my life so far! The College is a massive part of my experiences and who I am.
What advice would you give to current Brighton College pupils inspired by your own journey?
No matter what, never stop working towards your end goal. There will be lots of naysayers, especially regarding the money in the theatre, but keep going. Be prepared to face rejection as well – it is tough but a big part of life as an actor.
What are the most challenging parts of your work?
Rejections: getting to the last two or three – so very close – but the casting not coming through. After a rejection I usually take a break for the rest of the day, think hard, and channel all my energy into the next task.
What are you most proud of?
Sticking at it. I am also really proud of my whole friendship group from College – we have all built such varied and wonderful lives for ourselves since leaving school, but have never stopped supporting each other.
Which is your favourite house and why?
Leconfield, because of Mr Merrett. As much as I used to annoy him, he always believed in me, and in every one of us.
What is the best thing about being an Old Brightonian?
Again, the life-long community and friendships. And being able to come back and see all the nice new buildings!
'Miss Julie', co-produced by Chris, runs at The Courtyard Theatre on 8 October 2024: Miss Julie Tickets | From £15 | 8 Oct @ The Courtyard Theatre, London | DICE'The Marriage of Figaro', in which Chris is acting, runs at Royal Ballet & Opera from 2-15 September 2024: The Marriage of Figaro (rbo.org.uk).