PERTH actor Adam Sollis admits there have been more phone calls home while rehearsing Once in Royal David’s City in Brisbane than there would have been if he was working on a comedy.
“It’s painful and relentless but beautiful as well; it’s just very human and shows the connection between son and mother,” Sollis said.
“It does have some funny bits but it’s certainly touching and a tear-jerker.
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READ NOW“I hope when audiences see it, they get on the phone to ring a loved one and tell them how much they love them.”
The Black Swan State Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre co-production was written by Michael Gow (Away) and follows theatre director Will, who returns home to Bondi Beach for Christmas to discover his mum is sick.
Once in Royal David’s City will be Sollis’s second production for BSSTC, following the John Curtin College of the Arts and WAAPA graduate’s role in 2016’s Tonsils and Tweezers.
“Black Swan has really got my back and support Perth born and bred WAAPA graduates,” the 24-year-old said.
“It can be hard to get work in Sydney (Sollis’s current base) and Melbourne straight away, so it’s really awesome having their support, even if you’re not still living in Perth, to still be open to have us in for auditions.”
Sollis found the trifecta with this production and said he was moved by the story, wanted to work with director Sam Strong and was in awe of the cast that includes Penny Everingham, Adam Booth, Toni Scanlan, Steve Turner and Jason Klarwein.
“When we first started rehearsals around the table, I was relatively quiet,” he said.
“But that was mainly because I was so keen to listen to everyone’s knowledge and wisdom and soak it all up.”
Sollis said he enjoyed his ensemble role because he got to play a range of characters: everything from a German backpacker to skater boy.
“It’s the kind of stuff I enjoy the most; being a chameleon and transforming from one thing to the next,” he said.
“You just throw yourself into it.”
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Once in Royal David’s City
Where: Heath Ledger Theatre
When: March 25 to April 9
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au