roundup
WHAT’S ON OUR RADAR THIS MONTH.
Q&A
Downton Abbey’s
newest star, and
former student of
the Royal Welsh
College Of Music
And Drama, Tom
Cullen tells us how
he’s both excited
and confused
about his new role.
When did you first decide to go into acting?
I was 21, I’d been doing a lot of other things, playing a lot of music,
and I decided it was time to chase the dream.
What has been your favourite acting role so far?
This is very dull, but I played Richard III whilst still in training. I am
obsessed with that role and would love to play him again. He is meant
to be one of the worst villains of all time, but to me he is the greatest
hero Shakespeare ever wrote.
Along with acting you have also written and directed theatre – was
it difficult to adapt to these behind-the-scenes roles, or was it a
natural change?
Not at all, actually I’m a lot more comfortable working behind than I
am in front. What’s wonderful is that they all inform each other. I’m a
better actor having written and directed and vice versa.
What was your reaction when you first found out you had gotten a
role in Downton Abbey?
Confused.
How has it felt becoming part of such a popular show?
I was filled with an equal amount of excitement and dread.
What other projects are you working on?
I have two films set for release next year. One is a beautiful,
inspirational true story of Iranian dancer Afshin Ghaffarian, who risked
his life for his dream to become a dancer despite a nationwide dancing
ban, and a cool sci-fi called Last Days On Mars for Universal about the
first manned mission to Mars.
Downton Abbey Christmas Special, ITV1, Wed 25 Dec, 9pm.
Info: www.itv.com
BUZZ 08
BOOK
NOW
VAN MORRISON
St David’s Hall, Cardiff
Mon 27 Jan
Tickets: £45-£75
Info: 029 2087 8500
www.stdavidshallcardif.co.uk
FRANK TURNER
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
Thurs 6 Feb
Tickets: £26.45
Info: 029 2022 4488
www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
“To me
Richard
III is the
greatest hero
Shakespeare
ever wrote”
WELSH OPEN SNOOKER 2014
Newport Centre, Newport
Wed 19 - Fri 28 Feb
Tickets: £5-£25
Info: 01633 656757
www.newport.gov.uk
RUSSELL HOWARD
Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff
Mon 24-Wed 26 Feb
Tickets: £32
Info: 029 2022 4488
www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk
NEWTON FAULKNER
Cardiff Students Union
Fri 28 Feb
Tickets: £19.50
Info: 029 2078 1458
www.cardiffstudents.com
RUSSELL BRAND
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Mon 3 Mar-Sat 26 Apr
Tickets: £27.50
Info: 029 2063 6464
www.wmc.org.uk
RIZZLE KICKS
Cardiff Students Union
Thurs 6 Mar
Tickets: £17.50
Info: 029 2078 1458
www.cardiffstudents.com
WICKED
Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay
Wed 12 Mar-Sat 26 Apr
Tickets: £20-£75
Info: 029 2063 6464
www.wmc.org.uk