Scott Miller on War Horse
War Horse‘s Australian tour is galloping closer and closer.
Since its premiere at the National Theatre in 2007, the play has been seen by over eight million people worldwide. Subsequent productions have opened in 97 cities and 11 countries, proving just how well-loved the story of a young boy and his horse can be.
In 2020, the production will return to Australia for a second time (after its 2013 premiere season) and will be touring through Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth. The original 2013 season was fully Australia, but this upcoming touring production features an international touring cast.
Having already spoken to Puppetry Director Matthew Forbes and Puppeteer Rianna Ash, it felt fitting to speak to Scott Miller, the young actor who will be playing Albert for the Australian tour.
Can you tell me a bit about your theatrical history?
I started out at youth theatre and did various shows there for about ten years. I then got my first professional job when I was 18 and shortly after that I got accepted into drama school. After spending three years training at LAMDA I got cast in War Horse. War Horse is my first theatre job since graduating. I was really lucky to have some amazing people give me great advice at the right time.
Where did your love for acting start?
I started to really enjoy it when I was about 15 years old. I’d always been heavily involved in sports when I was growing up and acting was just something I just did on the side, but it was at this age where acting really took over.
Tell me a bit about your audition and your journey to playing Albert!
It’s was probably the most intense audition process I’ve ever been through. Over the period of about two months I had seven auditions and each one was very different from the one before. The first audition was pretty normal, reading a few of the scenes and having a chat with the director. Then they got a bit harder as they involved me riding Joey and improvising some scenes with him. In the final audition I had to perform every scene I had done over the first six auditions but the difference was that I was getting filmed this time. Performing for the stage is a completely different craft than for camera so it was a real challenge to blend the two together. However in saying that, my audition process for WarHorse was easily the most relaxed and friendly environment I’ve been involved in for a casting.
How has it been being a part of such a huge and historically significant story?
It’s been a great experience so far and one that I’m really looking forward to sharing with the rest of the world on this amazing tour. Albert is such an iconic character. It’s a real privilege to be able to perform him every night.
What is your favourite part of War Horse?
The start of the play is a very magical moment. When we the cast, can all see the audience getting pulled into Joeys story. It’s an amazing thing to be a part of. There’s also a song called ‘Rollin’ Home’ that is performed by the whole cast. It always gives me goose bumps.
How has it been working with the puppets?
A joy. The puppeteers are all so incredibly talented and I’m very proud of the story we create each night.
What words of advice do you have for any aspiring actors?
Always be listening and learning from others. I really believe that it’s the key to improving and developing your craft as an actor.
The National Theatre and Lunchbox Theatrical Productions present War Horse
Regent Theatre, Melbourne from 10 January 2020
Lyric Theatre, Sydney from 15 February 2020
Crown Theatre, Perth from 24 March 2020
For tickets and more information, please visit the War Horse website.
