Interview: Actor Robert Wilfort on the UK tour of SPIKE
Photo credit: Ryan Howard
The UK tour of Spike has recently opened and we managed to speak to the main man, Robert Wilfort (Gavin and Stacey, Bridgerton), about playing the legendary Spike Milligan in this new play.
What is it like to play such an iconic person?
Terrifying, exciting, daunting and fun, all mixed together. As the rehearsals progressed, I tried to shed as many expectations as I could and just concentrate on doing *my* version of Spike for *this* play, not present a carbon copy impersonation.
How did you first come across Spike Milligan and what made you want to play him?
I honestly can't remember, he just always seems to have been there as this wonderful comic presence. My dad and his brother were huge Spike fans and listened to the Goons when they were younger. I knew and loved his TV work. As I got more into comedy, I came to realise what a huge influence he was on everything else. I also loved Monty Python, Reeves & Mortimer etc. I couldn't resist playing this role, partly to honour my late dad and partly for the huge, but silly, challenge it presented.
Many people will know you for your TV work. What is it like to be working on stage?
As an actor, you don't really have much control over your career and once you start doing TV or film, you can often just get seen for that. But I'd been really hoping for a long time that a juicy stage role would come along and I'm very happy it has. It's lovely to be back in front of audiences, hearing real laughter and hopefully giving people a good night out. There's also the joy of being part of a team. We have such a lovely, talented company and I've enjoyed every minute of working with them. So far. I'm sure we'll want to kill each other by Darlington!
What have you learnt from the rehearsal process so far?
That I'm not a born dancer. That I can sweat more than I thought humanly possible. That old typewriters are incredibly sensitive. That it's important to take the work seriously, but not anything else. That I really can't get through the day without tea. That I'm not as young as I used to be.
What do you think makes the work of Spike Milligan equally as popular today?
Silliness never goes out of fashion. Spike found the absurd in everything and it's something that hopefully we'll always revisit.
Where are you most looking forward to visiting on tour?
Exploring places I've never been before, like Blackpool. But I think probably Cardiff, it's closest to my home town of Porthcawl so lots of old friends and family are coming. My mum has booked a coach and filled it with her friends so the Wednesday matinee should be fun.
What can audiences expect from Spike and why should they come and see the show?
It’s a celebration of the amazing work Spike created. We don't sugarcoat his life, he could be difficult and experienced some dark times dealing with his mental health issues. But overall, I think Ian and Nick wanted to create a joyous evening at the theatre, and cor blimey I think we could all do with that at the moment! So if you want to laugh, be moved and learn a bit more about the life of Spike, come and see us. Please. We've worked really hard. Please. We've got kids to feed!
To book for select touring venues, please click here.