Interview: HEARTSTOPPER’s Cormac Hyde-Corrin on NORTHBOUND BOY at King’s Head Theatre
New queer comedy Northbound Boy will receive its world premiere at the King’s Head Theatre later on this month. We spoke to Cormac Hyde-Corrin (Heartstopper, Netflix) who plays Rory in the piece.
Can you tell us what Northbound Boy is about and a little insight into your character?
Northbound Boy is a comedic three hander that takes place in a run-down house on the Lancashire moors. My character, Rory, meets Ken at a service station and ends up going back to an abandoned house with him. My character has escaped from a bad home environment and is looking for a lift (and some fun) along the way on his way to Blackpool. He’s a cheeky, street-smart, happy-go-lucky kid who has had his share of trouble in the past but deep down is a good guy.
How are you feeling about making your professional stage debut in this brand new queer comedy?
I’m super excited to be making my stage debut this August. It’s an intense transition, but I’m learning loads and having so much fun along the way. I can’t wait to get on stage and see what audiences make of it - I hope they think it’s as funny as we do!
What intrigued you about the play and made you want to be part of it?
I loved how, when I read it for the first time, I couldn’t predict how it was going to end - it could have ended loads of different ways. I loved how there was so much to read between the lines - so much of the story is way beneath the surface and I dig it!
You were part of the Heartstopper TV series. What was it like to be part of a TV show that has become so popular?
It was a fantastic experience and it opened my eyes to so many things! It was the debut for a lot of us so we braved it together, which was pretty cool. And I made some great friends too.
Why do you think queer representation is so important both on screen and on stage?
Its important for people to see their own lives represented, especially young people who might be worried about finding themselves or how they will be perceived by the world. This play shows a really different type of relationship - that was part of what interested me.
When did you first think acting was something that you wanted to pursue as a career?
I think the work I’ve done so far has not only made me want to act, but I’m really interested in directing too. I’ve always loved films since I was a little kid - and I love film making. I’ve directed shorts, acted in shorts - it’s just great to get involved in stuff - and now theatre is giving me a whole set of other skills too.
What have you learnt so far from the rehearsal process about yourself as an actor and about live theatre as a medium?
Theatre is so different to TV and film. I understand now why it’s considered necessary for all types of actors to experience. I’ve learned that I very much have to immerse myself in the character to feel natural. I have to take steps to fully immerse myself. And I have to speak much louder that I’m used to!
What do you hope audiences will take away from Northbound Boy with them?
I think that there are loads of positive messages in the play and lots for audiences to think about - hopefully they will be chatting about it in the bar after and thinking about it for days. I love how theatre is open to interpretation - different people will take away different things. For me though, if I had to pin it down to one thing, it would be don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
Northbound Boy plays at London’s King’s Head Theatre until 13 August-1 September, with further info here.
