Interview: 'He’s A Character I’ve Never Seen On Stage Before!': Actor Paul Keating On CLIVE At The Arcola Theatre

Have you ever had a friend that you might think is a bit . . . Prickly? Well, in Michael Wynne’s new play, Clive, Thomas might have the prickliest friend of all - a cactus. Directed by Lucy Bailey, the show explores “isolation, identity, and the quiet chaos of working from home” through Thomas, who is working from home in the post-pandemic world.

Recently, we had the chance to speak with Paul Keating, who is playing the role of Thomas. We discussed how he first got started in theatre by singing an Andrew Lloyd Webber hit, how he feels returning to the Arcola Theatre and what it’s like to be performing in a one-person play versus a musical.

How did you first get started in the world of theatre?

I was coerced into theatre at the age of twelve by my big sister, Helen. She was at a local dance school and they were in need of someone to sing in their end-of-term show. As I was a dedicated chorister at the local church, I was the ideal recruit. So I found myself on stage at the Kenneth Moore Theatre singing “Unexpected Song” by Andrew Lloyd Webber, channelling Sarah Brightman.

Someone from Sylvia Young Theatre School was in the audience and approached my mum about me joining their books . . . Within a few months I’d been cast in Les Misérables as Gavroche, getting shot in the head four times a week and being told by the resident director to “speed up my death.” I LOVED IT! I carried on doing other acting jobs all through the horrible years at my local comprehensive - it was an escape.

Every career officer I met told me to avoid acting and think of a more sensible job, so I never really considered being an actor. After my A-Levels, I was floundering, not knowing what I was going to do next - I hadn’t applied to university and was bobbing along with a part-time job in Tesco. I fantasised about working in a recording studio and bought The Stage newspaper each week to see what was out there. One week, I saw an advert for open auditions to play the title role in The Who’s Tommy that was coming to the  West End from Broadway. I decided to go along to the open call and have a laugh . . . Eleven recalls later, I was cast! It was an incredible experience and gave me the courage to continue to try working as an actor.

What made you want to be a part of Clive?

I have loved Michael Wynne's writing for many years - I saw my friend Sheridan Smith in The People Are Friendly at The Royal Court years ago and it was amazing. I love his humour and humanity - the comedy coming from real dialogue and characters, without being in-your-face gags. I’ve seen lots of his work since - he always delivers a heart-wrenching story that’ll have you one minute laughing out loud and the next close to tears.

I always wanted to be in something he’d written, so when the chance came to be in a one-man show penned by him, I almost bit his arm off.  To be able to work with Michael and with Lucy Bailey directing is the dream job for me. I LOVE LUCY! She makes me feel good at what I do and fills me with confidence. Free to be a fool and make mistakes, but always feeling supported. The idea of a one-person show is terrifying to me, but to do it under Lucy’s care and with her wonderful theatrical brain looking out for me and the play is the very best possible combination. 

Can you tell us a bit about the character you play, Thomas?

Thomas is a queer man, a techy nerd, who finds himself working from home. He has convinced himself that it really works for him, and he enjoys it. But the truth is, it’s very challenging, and he is lonely. He has grown a bit scared of the world outside his window and his authentic self, hiding from life. He finds comfort in the view from his window and his cactus friend, who he regularly talks to for comfort and counsel. He sees the best in everything and everyone and wants to do well in the world. He’s a character that I’ve never seen on stage before!

What is it like performing in a one-person play versus a musical?

I think the biggest difference is that I’m not part of a company. That’s the thing I love the most in a musical - the tight-knit group you become part of and the family-like feel you experience over a long period performing eight times a week. In Clive, I’m on my own. I’ll have to motor things along myself. It’s a big responsibility, and it’s going to be incredibly challenging and rewarding. I’ll be able to shape things differently each night and make new discoveries. 

What is it like to be returning to the Arcola Theatre?

I love the Arcola - it’s on my doorstep and I’ve had the best times there. Kenny in Mike Poulton's Kenny Morgan (again directed by Lucy) was my favourite role, and I was so thankful that Lucy, Mike and The Arcola gave me that opportunity to be in such a wonderful play. I love the intimacy of the spaces and the fantastic bar, which is a real social hub too - not just for theatregoers! I was also in the musical Little Miss Sunshine there, and it was another wonderful experience. We were in the same Studio, but it was completely transformed and worked perfectly with a big musical.

What do you hope audiences take away from Clive?

I hope they warm to my character Thomas and feel some of what he feels. I want them to laugh and enjoy the weirdness of his world, but also be moved by his struggles. When I first read the play, I really cared for Thomas and wanted him to be okay - I hope audiences feel that way too. We have so much amazing new writing out there, but it’s harder than ever to get it on stage. I want people to feel excited by Michael’s work and be inspired to come and support more great writing, at The Arcola and other theatres too.

How would you describe Clive in one word?

CAPTIVATING (hopefully!)