Kit Harington is about to kick off his post-Game of Thrones career by appearing in a West End production of Sam Shepard play True West.
Talking before his appearance at Esquire Townhouse, the actor explained why he wants to back to the stage, how it was wrapping up the biggest TV show on earth and how he likes to dress (when not in furs).
What is your new play True West about?
Many things, depending on what you make of it. It’s about two brothers in their mother’s house, just outside of LA. Austin, my character, is a screenwriter who’s trying to get his movie script off the ground. He’s the straight-laced, conventional one – at least at the start. Lee, his brother, is a renegade, drifter, vagabond type – who’s putting Austin off writing his script. Really, it’s about two sides of one creative personality. I think they’re the same person.
You must have no shortage of offers after Game of Thrones. What made you go for this one?
I’ve always admired [director] Matthew Dunster’s work. That piqued my interest. Then the more I read the play, the more I was fascinated by Austin. It’s an amazing character and there’s an appeal doing a smaller, more contained play where the lead is shared between me and Johnny (Flynn). It’s almost a two hander.
How has your relationship with Johnny been?
It’s been brilliant. I didn’t know him before this. He’s quite a calm, thoughtful man which is good in a two-handed play of this intensity over a few months… If you don’t get on, it can be tough. We’ve met two or three times and already built good vibes.
What’s made you want to go back to doing theatre?
My first job was [the theatre production] War Horse. Then I did the pilot for Thrones, then [the play] Posh, then nothing until Faustus four or five years later. So there was an urge to get back and do it. There’s a drain somewhere that was blocked, and I needed to unblock it. I think you have to switch between theatre and film. For me, it’s essential. It works different muscles. Continue reading »
