CALLUM SCOTT HOWELLS | INTERVIEW

 

Russell T Davies’ latest drama It’s A Sin is set in the AIDS-shadowed 1980s, and set to premiere on Fri 22 Jan. Carl Marsh grabs a natter with one of its three leads, Rhondda boy Callum Scott Howells.

 

As a relative newcomer alongside your It’s A Sin co-stars Omari Douglas, and to a certain extent Olly Alexander – whose last few years have been spent with his band Years And Years – how long did it take for you all to gel?

Not long at all. We had a rehearsal week right before we started filming where we all chatted about the show, shared stories about ourselves and things relating to the show, and laughed all week. It was so special, and I felt like I’d known them for years by the end of it. I know we’ll all be friends for life.

 

Out of the three of you, who had the most on-set nerves in the cast?

I think we all did! The show is so important; we’ve all taken on a considerable responsibility playing these characters, and representing those that lived through the time. It also means so much to Russell. We all just wanted to do the best we could! I’ll never forget our first day on set – there was such an air of nervousness, but at the same time, we couldn’t wait to get started.

 

You weren’t born when It’s A Sin is set – how did you prepare for this role?

I completely immersed myself in 80s culture. I watched TV shows like The Larry Grayson Show and listened to so much – from Tears For Fears, right through to Blondie. It was vital to understand the time politically as well. I read some fantastic books and watched documentaries to try to get to grips with the attitudes and political events from that decade. A lot of which, when you look back, is shocking.

 

 

Russell T Davies’ first big hit was Queer As Folk, in the late 90s – perhaps before your time, but are you a fan?

I had never seen Queer As Folk before being cast in the show. It came out just as I was born, so I missed it, unfortunately, but I did watch it after I found out I was cast. I can see why it meant so much to people and is, still to this day, a crucial piece of work.

Russell is a mover and a shaker. His shows erupt onto the scene and have a lasting effect on people. I guess for me, that was Doctor Who. I remember being a young boy in primary school, coming home and spending half the episode with my eyes peering over the sofa. I was so scared by the Daleks and the Empty Child – I remember watching that episode like it was yesterday.

 

What was the audition process like for this role?

I originally submitted a self-tape for the role and then got asked to come to a recall in London at [casting director] Andy Pryor’s office. I had to prepare something like seven scenes for the creative team and was in the room for about 45 minutes, which is the longest time I’d ever been in the room for an audition.

I then went home and was visiting my old comprehensive school the next day when I got the call; it was so special and almost romantic to be back at my old school getting a call like that. It was surreal. My head of sixth form and all the staff gave me a big hug, and then I drove home to tell my parents. A day I’ll never forget.

 

Your character in It’s A Sin, then. What can you tell us about him?

Colin is a young and naive 18-year-old boy from south Wales who moves to London to become an apprentice tailor on Savile Row. He then meets five friends, and they end up living, loving and laughing their way through the decade together amidst the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic. The story starts in 1981.

 

Can you relate to him in any personal way?

Definitely. I think what Russell has done well is capture what it’s like to be young and move to a big city from a small town or village. It’s a universal story, really, but one that I can certainly relate to. I’ve lived in London before, and I’ll never forget how much of a massive shift it was for me moving from the Rhondda to London. It was a hugely formative time in my life; I learnt things that I’ll keep with me forever.

 

How long did it take for you to get into character?

I did a lot of research and read the scripts repeatedly before we even did the read-through. I like to keep one copy of a script and notate everything I know about the character there on the page. Learning who the character is from the script helps me sculpt who that person is in my head. Then I work as hard as I can to physicalize it and make it believable; this was very much what I did for Colin.

 

Where will you be watching the opening episode?

I’d love to be at a party, but that indeed isn’t happening, haha! I’ll be with my parents – it’ll be a really special night for all of us.

 

What’s next for you career-wise? The last 12 months must have been as strange for you as it has been for us…

Well, I was meant to be playing Romeo in Gary Owen’s new play, Romeo And Julie, in a co-production with the National Theatre and the Sherman Theatre, but unfortunately it was postponed due to Covid. It is such a brilliant play that Gary has written, and I’m playing opposite the amazing Rosie Sheehy as well, so I hope it will be a special production.

Gary is another Welsh writing legend. We still don’t have a date for it yet, but hopefully when theatre reopens and returns, we’ll do the show. I’m dying to get back to the theatre, as I’m sure many performers and audiences alike are. What a special day that will be when we’re all allowed back.

 

It’s A Sin premieres on Channel 4 on Fri 22 Jan, 9pm. Info: www.channel4.com/programmes/its-a-sin

words CARL MARSH photos © CHANNEL 4