AFTT Acting tutor John O’Hare, has recently been touring around Australia’s major capitals and theatres. He plays the lead character “Mr Stink” in a stage adaptation of the novel written by Little Britain’s David Walliams.
After the show was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award following its 2016 premiere at the Sydney Opera House, John explained his passion for acting. “I love telling entertaining stories about the human condition. What is this life about and how do we work it all out? I like love comedy drama and entertaining people, giving people an insightful laugh gives me great joy.”
The story of Mr Stink tells the tale of a homeless man in England who is befriended by a troubled young girl who is being bullied at school. The fantastic story of how they help each other re-find their confidence and direction in their lives has sold out shows all over Australia.
Stage Whispers commended Johns performance, describing how “John O’Hare is a magical figure as Mr Stink, delighting the children in the audience with his puffs of smoke that seems to surround him as his character comes to life on the stage.”
John divulged that he gets many of his roles through an agent and through his extensive networks. He reiterated the importance of networking, and AFTT tutors as a first connection to the industry by discussing the numerous times he has worked with AFTT graduates. “I have just worked with the wonderful graduate Celia Kelly on the VR series 'Moriarty' just released at the Comic con in LA!”
He disclosed his biggest advice to budding actors. “Get to know yourself as an actor, be honest about who you are and what you want say and who your audience might be. Be original; tell the stories you want to tell and do it your way. Once you've decided on the project, work hard and be prepared. Good acting is all about preparation.”
As with all AFTT tutors, John is still constantly working in the industry, performing recently in a Channel 7 and Irish Television show called 'Drop Dead Weird' which airs this September. He will also be starring in The Australian Premiere of Tony Award winning play The Night Alive by Conor McPherson at the Old Fitz Theatre in Woolloomooloo from the 14th September to 14th October.
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