Interview with Owen Jenkins

Owen Jenkins is performing in ‘David Baddiel's Animalcolm’ with Story Pocket Theatre. Read what the show is about, what advice Owen wishes he'd received when entering the industry, and what tips he offers to those heading up to the Fringe

Interview with Owen Jenkins

Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?

Hi I’m Owen Jenkins and I’m performing in ‘David Baddiel's Animalcolm’ with Story Pocket Theatre.

Tell us about your show?

AniMalcolm is originally a children’s book written by David Baddiel. It’s his third novel and the funniest yet. Story Pocket Theatre has brought the story from the book onto the stage with plenty of charm and quirkiness. It centres around 11-year-old Malcolm, who just doesn’t get animals. Which is a problem because his family loves them. They’ve got so many pets. He feels sort of out of place in his family, and it takes being in the animals’ shoes, or paws, for Malcolm to learn a few lessons

Why do you want to perform at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and is it different from other festivals?

Edinburgh is a hugely unique festival due to its scale. There is such an incredible variety and there really is something for everyone. I love going because it gives me the chance to see a range of shows I wouldn’t necessarily get the chance to otherwise. 

What first motivated you to enter the industry? Who were your inspirations?

I remember seeing my older brother and sister perform in school plays, I was a lot younger than them and it looked like they were having so much fun so I wanted to get involved. I was always inspired by comic actors like Mike Myers and Jim Carey. As I got older I got influenced by amazing stage actors like Mark Rylance. 

Do you ever feel any pressure to be a social commentator, or constantly update material to respond to events?

For me the most important thing has always been telling a good story. If a good story has been told well it will resonate with a modern audience. As well as an actor I do also write and I always ask ‘why this story now?’ If I can’t find the answer it isn’t a story worth telling.

Equally, do you feel there has been a shift in public sentiment that has affected your work?

I think theatre and other art forms are constantly shifting to reflect the society it belongs in and will continue to do so. 

Describe the last year in 5 words or less?

Tiring but fun and productive 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to take a show up to the fringe?

I would encourage people to see as many shows as they can when they are up there! There’s nothing more inspiring than seeing something great.  

And what advice do you wish you’d been given when entering the industry?

Be patient and diligent and don’t panic if big things don’t happen right away. It’s even more rewarding when the big things happen if you’ve worked hard to get there. 

When and where can people see your show?

We are on at Gilded Balloon at 11:30am every day from 1-19th August. 

And where can people find, follow and like you online?

  • @story_pocket 
  • @owenjenkins4 
  • @hellofaceplant
Header Image Credit: Steve Porter

Author

Tom Inniss

Tom Inniss Voice Team

Tom is the Editor of Voice. He is a politics graduate and holds a masters in journalism, with particular interest in youth political engagement and technology. He is also a mentor to our Voice Contributors, and champions our festivals programme, including the reporter team at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

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