When I was training to be an actor, I had big dreams. The proper kind. RSC, Olivier-worthy, soul-baring stuff. I had a world-class Hamlet in me. Possibly a gritty, award-winning film role too. Or better yet, something original and unforgettable in a cutting-edge new play that would have people whispering in theatre bars for years.
And while I have not quite ticked those boxes yet, I have played some cracking roles along the way. Interesting, layered, often surprising ones.
What I did not expect was how much your idea of a dream role can shift.
These days, the parts that really get me excited are the ones my children actually care about. After years of CocoMelon and CBeebies on a loop, something has clearly rewired my actor brain. Roles that my younger, very serious self might have dismissed now feel like absolute gold.
So when the opportunity came up to audition for a new series of Mr Men animations, I jumped at it. And when I found out I had been cast as Mr Tickle — my childhood favourite — I was properly chuffed.
Now, I would love to tell you I went full method. That I reconnected with the gangly limbs of my teenage years and explored the emotional weight of having unusually long arms and a need to surprise strangers. That I plumbed the psychological depths of a man whose mission in life is to tickle.
Or maybe I just focused on something that genuinely made me laugh.
Either way, it reminded me how our goals and joys can evolve. As we grow and change, so do the roles we value and the stories we want to tell.
Yes, I would still love to play Hamlet. But right now, I get to be the bendy bloke in Dillydale who brings a smile to my kids’ faces. And honestly, that feels like a pretty iconic role in itself.
