Actor David Sturzaker sat down with fairypowered to answer 20 questions. David is currently playing Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s Olivier Award winning Dear England. Currently on tour around the UK, book tickets here
Let’s start with a few favourites
Favourite show (whether you have been in it or not)?
Anne Boleyn, written by Howard Brenton. I played Henry VIII, and it was on that tour that I met my wife, Jo, who was playing the title role.
Favourite book?
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
Favourite theatre? Shakespeare’s
Globe in London
Favourite song?
Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher, Jackie Wilson
Favourite music?
Soul, folk
Favourite food?
Risotto
Favourite drink?
Most wines!
What is your favourite role?
Charles II in Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale, which opened at Shakespeare’s Globe and transferred to the West End
What was your first role?
Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing
And what role would you really like to play?
Stanley in A Streetcar Named Desire (Though probably a bit too old for that now!)
If you weren’t a performer , what would you be?
In reality, don’t know! Maybe something in the health/fitness sector. But my fantasy other job is a restaurant reviewer
What made you decide to be a performer?
I enjoyed acting in youth theatre, and then I had the epiphany of learning that it could actually be a profession
Do you enjoy touring?
I do. I love seeing different parts of the country, getting to know different theatres and, for a while, the simplicity of the lifestyle. But at the same time, I also miss my family and home.
What advice would you give the 16-year-old you?
Ha! I think giving advice is complicated– it’s more important for people to find their own path. But for my 16-year-old self?….. Try not to be so self-conscious!
Do you fancy branching out in Producing or Directing?
I have done some producing before and have enjoyed it so I would consider doing more in the future. Directing though – that feels like a skill set that many others possess in far greater abundance – the ability to have an overall vision whilst keeping an eye on the detail and fulfilling leadership and pastoral roles at the same time.
What was the last stage show you saw and really enjoyed?
Every Brilliant Thing at @Soho PlaceDavid Sturzaker plays Gareth Southgate in James Graham’s play ‘Dear England’ and then on tour until March 2026 – dearenglandonstage.com