Julius Caesar Cast Bio | Chris

Ahead of the run, we’ve been interviewing the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School actors cast to play alongside theatre professionals, Julian Glover and Lynn Farleigh in Julius Caesar.

Here we get to know Chris, one of the Theatre School’s talented rising stars.

Chris Jenks
Pindarus

BOVTS: B in Crave (Directors’ Cuts, Wardrobe Theatre); Valentine in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Major Robbie Ross in Our Country’s Good , Ben in Days Of Significance, Michael in Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me, Semyon in The Suicide, Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night, Sir Peter Teazle in The School For Scandal, Jedadiah Schultz in The Laramie Project, Flute in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Pre BOVTS: Worker in The Tin Forrest (National Theatre of Scotland and SYT); Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest (The Theatre of Arran).

Where are you from and how did you get into acting?
I grew up on the wet and windy Isle of Arran (off the west coast of Scotland). My early acting career on the island was a bit stop-start with several of my school plays failing to gain a west end transfer. Competition was tough with role after role going to local sheep. At the age of sixteen I decided to venture onto the mainland and participate in courses with the Scottish and National Youth Theatres. I then auditioned for drama school and ended up at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Who are you playing in Julius Caesar and what challenges have you faced in that role?
I am playing Pindarus, Popilius, Plebeian 1 and Antony's Soldier 1. Speaking the verse in a naturalistic way with a clear intention whilst also paying attention to the beats and line endings has been a challenge but one which has payed off and hopefully will make the dialogue clear for the audience.

What’s your favourite thing about training at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School?
Getting to spend 3 years with some very special people.

How does it feel to be taking the Bristol Old Vic stage in your graduating show?
It is a very exciting prospect. I love being in the theatre: the high ceilings, the smell, the atmosphere. It feels like a very significant place to be.

This June we reunite with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School to present Shakespeare’s riveting political drama Julius Caesar. For more info and to book tickets, click here.