Fresh from the set of Neighbours, Ben Hall is leading the 30th anniversary of the Australian gay-themed musical Only Heaven Knows. He tells Matt Myers about taking on the role of adventurous Tim.
The character of Tim is exposed to the bohemian and gay sub-culture of 1940’s Sydney. What kind of research did you do for this role?
I’ve been watching a lot of films from that period, reading and talking to a lot of people, including our director Shaun Rennie. The script is quite revealing to the period and Tim’s journey is not about coming out, but rather a guy who knows what the wants, and he’s come to Sydney to find it. It’s about discovery.
As far as character development goes, what did you draw on?
In the theatre world I have many gay friends to talk to, particularly my co-star Hayden Tee (Les Miserables) and I actually did a show two years back called Falsettos, where I played a gay man. But for me it’s more about connecting with the person I’m playing opposite, and finding the qualities that allow an intimate connection. I want to know the character backgrounds, but that interpersonal stuff is key.
Has learning about gay life in the post-war era shocked you?
Yeah, I couldn’t believe how conservative it was, particularly after the war where there was that period of joy and freedom. But then the Menzies era came in, and it all became so conservative again. People were being pulled out for being communists and such. It’s just mind-boggling how people were jumping to those kinds of conclusions, and there was also the issue of conversion therapy, which has a thread in our story with the character of Alan (Matthew Backer). It’s scary how commonplace that was, and how many men thought it was something they should do. So many were convinced and pushed into it.
Have you ever witnessed homophobia in real life?
Yes, and at school in particular. I went to an all-boys Catholic school, which certainly wasn’t a place for gay men. It was a sporting school, but we had a really lovely arts department with teachers who protected a lot of those guys and nurtured them. I guess that’s part of what the Arts culture is, protecting people who are treated like that.
On this production you have various gay cast and crew, as well as director. With such friends and colleagues around, are you ever concerned about how your interpretation is perceived?
Of course, but fortunately I get on so well with our director Shaun, Matt Backer and Hayden Tee, who I worked with before on Les Miserables, that I’m comfortable enough to trust them, and they trust me enough to tell me if I’m doing something that isn’t informed enough. But they guide me as well, because it isn’t my world per se, and it isn’t my story, but I love these people. I love our team and this is a story that I want to tell to the best of my ability.
Do you ever get mistaken as gay?
Oh yes, I’m in musical theatre, so everyone assumes that I am! I sometimes get hit on in clubs, especially when I’m out with Trevor Ashley! I certainly don’t take offence. I love gay clubs and they’re so much fun.
You must also attract a lot of teenage girls!
There’s a bit of that through social media. Actually there’s a huge gay following for Neighbours in the UK. It’s massive!
If you were gay, who would do it for you?
I’d probably go a big muscular guy with a beard.
So a bear! You know about bears, cubs and otters?
Oh yeah, but I didn’t know about otters!
Otters are still hairy, but more slender with a swimmers build. In fact, you’d be an otter!
(Laughing) Well I just did the Rottnest channel swim last week! But you know, when I think about it, I’d go for Justin Trudeau. I love the ideals he stands for too.
How would you sum up your experience on Neighbours?
I really enjoyed it. It’s the second fastest show in the world in terms of how many episodes they pump out in a week. It’s a nice working environment because people are very happy and relaxed and know what they’re doing. With many TV shows you’re there briefly for a week or such and gone again, but on Neighbours you make great friends.
You played Finton in Devil’s Playground. That must have been a watershed moment for you acting career?
Yes, in the story my character’s younger brother committed suicide because of what was happening at the school. It was a bit harrowing, especially with the research, and it happened to be topical at the time, because the enquiry into the Catholic Church was taking place. We’d shoot scenes and then I’d turn on the TV to see George Pell confronting the media. Hearing the stories of what these people had gone through made me feel disgusted. But Devil’s Playground was incredible to be a part of, and such talented people were involved. That’s where I met Simon Burke who is also a good friend of mine.
Studying at WAAPA is certainly a great grounding for any actor. What’s your advice for anyone wanting to enter the industry?
I recommend drama school, because it’ s incredibly useful in opening doors on the other side. Sometimes all you need is that opportunity. But getting into those schools is not as easy as it seems either, so I’d be finding out who’s the best in regard to where you live, in terms of the teachers. But you also have to spend money, which is also a bit of an issue. A lot of actors are either middle or upper-class due to the cost of training, which is a shame. But you can still look for and find the best teachers around.
Jack Martin (Home and Away) recently played your namesake, the famous Australian bushranger in The Legend of Ben Hall. Did you consider auditioning for that role? It would have been quite ironic!
It would have been very trippy, especially if I’d played a different character! At the time I was in Les Mis, so I was contracted for a certain period, but I would love to have played my namesake. I’ve always wanted to visit his grave and know more about him. He was the only bushranger who actually never hurt or killed anyone. So he’s a nice one to be associated with! He’s of no relation though, as my dad’s British.
Who is your diva?
Beyoncé! Those pregnancy photos were classic! And you can’t go wrong with that voice. Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) is brilliant. Here in Sydney my diva would have to be Trevor Ashley. I love Diamonds Are For Trevor!
What kind of music gets you up on the dance floor?
I like R&B rather than techno. I do like some Village People, and I can do a bit of the YMCA dance!
Who has been the biggest influence on your professional career?
There is usually someone on each show that becomes a bit of a mentor. Simon Gleeson in Les Mis is one of those people, and so was Simon Burke on Devil’s Playground, who I’d watch and ask questions. On this current production I’m inspired by Shaun Rennie’s work and passion.
This is our Health & Fitness edition. What do you do to keep fit?
Well I’ve been training for the Rottnest swim, so I swim every couple of days, and back on Neighbours I was seeing a personal trainer because I was doing a lot of shirtless stuff around the pool. Gym and swimming are great because you can put the muscle on and then sort of lean it out.
What’s your best piece of health advice?
I’m really interested in gut health and the benefits of probiotics at the moment. Recent research has shown that it affects your happiness and serotonin levels. It’s quite fascinating how what you’re eating can affect the bacteria in your stomach.
At the beach are you boardies or Speedos?
I’m boardies at the beach and Speedos in the pool. Speedos do get a bad rap. Sometimes at the public pool I get a few odd looks, but you can go a lot faster when you’re swimming in Speedos! (laughing)
And what about underwear – jocks, fitted boxers or freeballs?
I love that freeballing is an option, but I go fitted boxers. I’m sure my mate Chris Durling is a freeballer. On Les Mis he’d strip off and I’d be “Mate, did you even wear jocks today?”
Well when he did this interview he said that while on Les Mis, a hairpin fell down his pants and into his arse crack!
Hilarious! That explains a lot!
Only Heaven Knows plays at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre from May 26
For more: www.hayestheatre.com.au
