TV's Burnistoun star Robert Florence talks about sharing his voice in his debut stage role in National Theatre Of Scotland's new comedy musical, Orphans, and being a 'huge fan' of Peter Mullan whose film inspired the show
Robert – or Rab – Florence is well-known as one of the stars of BBC’s cult TV comedy Burnistoun and also BBC Scotland’s The Scotts. Now Rab plays one of the Flyn brothers in National Theatre Of Scotland’s comedy musical Orphans. Rab answers Margaret Chrystall's questions and talks about the role...
Q Many people will know you from the excellent and sometimes sinister TV comedy Burnistoun and The Scotts, Robert (Rab? not sure which you prefer) – for anyone who doesn’t know, how would you describe your route into performing and how young were you when you realised this was for you?
A It was never my goal to be a performer. I wanted to be a writer or a director. I just eventually found my way into performing through the comedy stuff I was writing. I’d always describe myself as a writer – it’s definitely what I identify as, and it’s the thing I’m best at, I think. I’ve just been very lucky to have opportunities to do lots of weird stuff over the years that have kinda muddied the water in terms of what my job actually is!
Q What attracted you to Orphans – had you seen Peter Mullan’s film?
A I’ve always been very vocal about being a huge fan of the film. I think it’s one of the best films ever made in the UK. I love Peter’s work. All his films, his features and his shorts, are superb. I think because he’s such an incredible actor, it’s easy for people to forget what a brilliant filmmaker he is. He’s a very inspiring guy. We were lucky to meet him on this gig, and he was very down to earth, very generous.
Q What are the challenges of performing in a live performance and a musical?
A My biggest concern has definitely been looking after my voice. It’s the first theatre show I’ve ever done, so I’ve just no idea how to keep myself in the kind of vocal shape to do the thing night after night. I’ve had to learn fast, but the National Theatre of Scotland is such an impressive machine – so many great people and so much great advice and care. It’s been an amazing experience, being a little part of that.
Q How much room did you have to influence the character of Thomas, the brother you play in the production?
A Cora is such a brilliant director. She has a very clear vision, but also a huge collaborative spirit. She gave everybody a lot of room to bring their own things to the show, and it’s down to her that everybody has felt so safe to try stuff out and put their own flavour into their performances. I really think she’s done such a brilliant job, and the great atmosphere and great friendships among the cast have all spun out from her influence.
Q I have seen a video of you singing Safe With You, you’ve got an amazing voice – I wondered if music has already played a part in your performing career?
A Nah, I’ve never really done any singing in my career. The occasional wee bit in a daft Burnistoun sketch maybe, but nothing properly. I’ve always loved music and singing though. I remember in my early 20s, recording an album in my bedroom, electronic keyboard and guitar and an old analogue four-track recorder. Just playing around. I’ve always loved it. So it’s great to have had an opportunity to properly sing some songs from such great songwriters in Roddy [Hart] and Tommy [Reilly].
Q What is your favourite thing about being part of this production – and what is your biggest challenge?
A I just love musicals, and I feel so privileged to have had the chance to be a part of a great one. I genuinely love the show. I think it’s beautiful, and very funny and very very sad. And the songs are just spectacular. If I never do any theatre ever again, this is a phenomenal thing to have in the scrapbook. A great memory. The biggest challenge will be saying goodbye to it after Inverness. That will be sad.
Q What will we see you in next – if you can say!?
A In June we start filming the second series of our sitcom The Scotts. It’s a great team, lovely wee show, no singing involved. Loads of laughs though. It should be on TV in the autumn.
The National Theatre of Scotland's new production Orphans comes to Eden Court on Thursday and continues until Saturday.
More: eden-court.co.uk and https://www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/orphans
