Q&As // All the Fun of the Fair
"I have grown my hair out and I am back in the Seventies with my side-burns on." - Rob Compton on preparing for his role...
Rob Compton has been plucked straight from drama school to take on the role of Jack, David Essex’s son, in the pop and stage sensation’s hit musical All The Fun Of The Fair which runs from October 18-22.
Tell us a bit about your character in the show.
Jack is from a travelling family. He has been brought up as a traveller by his dad and his mum and is from quite a close unit. He is a real Jack-The-Lad – he is very cheeky and has all the banter but then he is also quite angry as he can’t talk to his dad. His mum has died and he is in a really aggressive place. He can turn on the charm in an instant but you don’t want to get on the wrong side of him.
How did you prepare for the role?
I have been doing as much research as I can on travellers. I have grown my hair out and I am back in the Seventies with my side-burns on. I have got a hat as well. It is a prop that is really helpful to use and helps to get me back in that era. I have also been talking to David about his experience.
And what is it like working with David Essex?
It is his songs. The first time I am singing them in front of him, I was nervous but he is very supportive. It doesn’t feel like there is any pressure and we are building up a father-son relationship which is really nice. It is interesting to watch David, pick up David-isms and bring that into Jack.
Did you know much about David’s songs before you started in the show?
I heard a few of his classics like Hold Me Close and Gonna Make You A Star. I could place the tunes but I didn’t really know them as it wasn’t my era. Now I have been doing lots of research, I know more of his music.
How did you get started in the performing world?
My mum and dad were both performers but I didn’t start until I was 16. I grew up in South London and had a pretty normal life and then I went to the Brit School which was just down the road from me. It was free and I thought I would give it a go. I was obviously surrounded by entertainment since I was born. I loved it and went on to Arts Ed and now here I am.
What was it like studying at The Brit School?
It has such a good atmosphere. The main thing about it is that it is free. Where else can you get that standard of training for that? They also have an incredible number of connections. The overall feel of the school is great. I did the musical theatre course and you are working with people who have actually done it.
How do you feel about being part of the showbusiness world?
It is a hard ride and you have to be tough to deal with it. That’s why we do it – because we love it so much. You have to think do I have the thirst to do it? This is my shot at a big part. I got into it slowly doing small parts playing a ghost and a wrestler. This is great for me as I don’t have to go too far out of my comfort zone. It’s an extreme process of myself in a way.
All The Fun Of The Fair will be your first visit to Norwich. What do you think about touring the UK?
I’m really looking forward to touring and seeing parts of the country I haven’t seen before. I think I may end up going ‘where am I?’ some weeks but I’ll get used to it.
