And now the ‘Missionary Positions’

Press, 27 April 1983, Page 16

And now the ‘Missionary Positions’

Chances are when actor Edward Campbell takes on a role it is one he may well have played in real life. The Scottish actor spent 18 years working in a variety of jobs from horse riding instructor to hospital orderly to barman to ditch digger to nine years in the Royal Marines before taking up acting as a profession last January. Although his career as a professional actor is still very recent Mr Campbell has performed in amateur productions for several years, both in Britian and the Royal Marines. “I did not realise I wanted to be an actor until I joined the Marines,” he explains. He auditioned for the Court Theatre last November after being in the country for about six months. “It was rather cheeky I suppose but to be able to get paid for what I love doing is wonderful. It’s like money for old rope. “It is very hard work but I get a charge out of doing something that I enjoy. I worked for 18 years and never enjoyed a day of it.” Since January Mr Campbel has appeared as Senator McCarthy in “Insignificance”—“a great part”—and in “The Tempest.” At pre-

sent he is rehearsing for the lead role in the Elmwood Player’s production of Barry Southam’s play “Missionary Positions.” John Jefferies, who was to have played the lead, withdrew because of illness and the Scottish actor agreed to step into the part. He is not getting paid for his work.

“I read the part and couldn’t resist it. I am doing it for the love of the work,” he says. “And I couldn’t stand the thought of being unemployed for the next three weeks.

“It is an excellent part, and although there are a lot of lines to learn as I am on stage virtually the whole time, it is so well written the lines just seem to flow.” The play’s opening was delayed for two weeks but the actor still has only 30 hours of rehearsal in which to learn the part. Rehearsals for the show, which now opens on May 4, are going well, Mr Campbell says. “It will be ready on time, no doubt of that.” . Because Mr Campbell is rather shorter, broader and balder than the original actor adjustments have had to be made to the script. His Scottish accent has also

been written into the play—“although it would have been no problem. I can lose it if I need to.”

After “Missionary Positions” Mr Campbell will be looking for work. He has no plans to return to his native country to seek work; the opportunities in New Zealand are far better.

“My age and appearance mean I can get quite a few parts. It is much harder for young actors because there are so many about. I think I got into acting at the best time and age.” Mr Campbell does not see any major disadvantages in his lack of formal drama training. “There are the stage techniques, of course, body movement and such, but I have had far more experience of life in general than any young actor coming straight from drama school,” he says. Mr Campbell is certain that acting will be his profession from now on. “I enjoy it too much to give it up.”

“Missionary Positions” will be directed by its author, Barry Southam. He described the play as a “comedy with dark edges.” The title is taken from one of the play’s themes of dominance in relationships.