Photographer: Jemima Marriott
Stylist: Benedict Browne
Stylist’s Assistant: Christina Elliott
Grooming: Maria Comparetto
A true rising star, Tom talks to us about his thrilling role in Apple TV’s new show ‘Suspicion’ and his exciting role on stage in ‘The Seagull’ which opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London in June.
Hi Tom, where are you right now?
I’m currently sat in the office at home, I’ve just watered all the plants.
When we did the shoot you spoke about your role in Apple TV+’s new series ‘Suspicion’, can you tell us a bit more about the series?
Of course, so Suspicion is a political thriller of sorts, five unsuspecting British individuals are all accused of being involved in this transatlantic kidnap of a very influential and prominent businesswoman’s son and as the show unfolds we find out if, why and how they might have been involved
Vest by Orgueil via Clutch Cafe, Shirt by Mr Fish Archive, Trousers by Basic Rights, Socks by Pantherella, Boots by Cheaney, Ring by Serge De Nimes, Thunderbird ring by First Arrow’s via Clutch Cafe, Leather necklace by Yuketen via Clutch Cafe
Can you share any favourite moments from filming ‘Suspicion’?
I loved shooting out in New York. We got to enter the States under working visas when the borders where still closed so whilst we were there it felt as if it was just us and the locals. I felt very fortunate to be able to experience the city in that way.
“I think we are all actors. It’s one of the most formative things we humans do from a very early age we play around with varying types of ‘acting’ its a key part of our self actualising.”
How do you research a character when first given a role? Do you ever get lost in a character?
I do as much appropriate research as possible prior to shooting. That can look like anything though and I try to approach it as holistically as possible. Creativity isn’t a direct line so I find it useful to set out certain parameters as to what to try to zero in on and then get a bit chaotic with my prep with a view to tidying it up and decision making as the shoot nears. I hope that makes sense
Suit by Richard James, Shirt by Mr Fish Archive
You played the Dark Protagonist in White Lines- would you say you are more comfortable playing good or bad guys?
I think good and bad is binary, there are very few individuals who think of themselves as ‘Bad’ I find it more useful to think of people in terms of wants, needs and moral and ethical boundaries. It’s important to remember that everyone’s subjective worlds are completely different and informed by a million different circumstantial factors. I find it useful to break it down into trying to comprehend the logic behind an action and then finding the macro emotional drive behind that action, which also by the way doesn’t necessarily have to correlate with what that individual is saying they’re doing. Human beings are a real rabbit hole.
What are you working on at the moment? Any exciting new projects you can share with us?
I’ve just finished shooting out in the Middle East and have a bit of time now before I start rehearsals for `The Seagull’. The Seagull opens at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London in June and I’m so excited to be back on stage – especially in this production, as we started the play just before theatreland went dark in early 2020. So to get to finish what we started is a beautiful thing.
Vest by Orgueil via Clutch Cafe, Shirt by Mr Fish Archive, Ring by Serge De Nimes, Thunderbird ring by First Arrow’s via Clutch Cafe, Leather necklace by Yuketen via Clutch Cafe
You have also appeared in a lot of theatre productions, do you prefer stage or screen?
I don’t have a preference. It all boils down to the source material. Is the story a story I want to tell. Film, tv and theatre do have different requirements in terms of execution but the approach for me is always the same.
“American culture is cool. Soft power baby.”
When did you first ‘know’ you wanted to be an Actor, was it a natural transition?
For my money there doesn’t seem to be an end point, I think we are all actors. It’s one of the most formative things we humans do from a very early age we play around with varying types of ‘acting’ its a key part of our self actualising. It’s what I do now because I’m still interested in it and fortunately some people, who have the opportunity to do so, employ me.
Coat by Connolly, Jumper by Gant, Scarf by Mr. Fish, Trousers by Basic Rights, Boots by Edward Green, Jewellery by Serge De Nimes
Do you have any advice for people wanting to break into the acting industry?
Like many industries, unfortunately, it isn’t a meritocracy. There’s a lot of blind luck involved. That’s not to say it can’t be done, but I would encourage anyone hoping to be an actor to deeply meditate on the what and why’s of pursuing this as a career.
Suit by Gant, Jewellery by First Arrow’s via Clutch Cafe, Sneakers by C.QP
Out of all the characters you’ve played -which role have you found the most challenging?
They all have their individual specific challenges. I’ve got a nice view from this fence.
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And the easiest and most natural role you’ve slipped into? – A massive Brioche
Aside from acting, what makes Tom tick? – Body Spasms
Leather jacket by Schott NYC, Vest by Uniqlo, Jewellery by First Arrow’s via Clutch Cafe and Serge De Nimes
What do you get up to in your spare time? – I like to worry
What’s your favourite film ever ? – Life is Beautiful by Roberto Benigni
Leather jacket by Schott NYC, Vest by Uniqlo, Jewellery by First Arrow’s via Clutch Cafe and Serge De Nimes
What’s your favourite outfit ? – Silk one piece and Gucci slides
What do you find cool about America? – American culture is cool. Soft power baby.
And finally tell us what’s cool about you? – That’s not for me to say
Denim jacket by Polo Ralph Lauren, Sunglasses by Broadway & Sons, Shirt by KUON via Clutch Cafe, Vintage tie by Mr. Fish Archive, Jewellery by Serge De Nimes