Bell Shakespeare’s KING LEAR cast member JOSH MCCONVILLE and ZENOBIA FROST investigate what super-actors eat for lunch: tuna, tomato and beans.

To celebrate Bell Shakespeare’s 20th anniversary, a cast of talented Australians, consummate performer John Bell included, are touring Shakespeare’s boldest tragedy. In King Lear, a mighty monarch wishes to abdicate the throne, and chooses to divide his kingdom amongst his daughters in accordance with who loves him most. His vanity, however, will be his kingdom’s downfall. I spoke to youthful Gold Coast actor Josh McConville, who plays the role of Edgar, son of Gloucester.

ZENOBIA FROST: You’ve won some significant roles since your graduation from acting school in only 2008 – including a role in Underbelly. What makes you passionate about performing?

JOSH MCCONVILLE: I grew up as an only child on acreage, so most of my time was spent running around and creating imaginary worlds with whatever props I could find. I loved pretending. Now I get to do it for a living. Touch wood. And there are no second chances in theatre – the adrenaline is terribly addictive.

ZF: King Lear is regarded by many to be one of Shakespeare’s finest plays – if not his greatest. Was the thought of acting in such a well-loved play daunting?

JM: To begin with I was very intimidated by the whole process. The play, the actors, the company, my first Shakespeare production. Lear has been performed so many times with so many different interpretations that doubting my choices was inevitable. But being in a company full of theatre thespians, some of whom have done this play more than once, definitely warmed my confidence. Ultimately I like to do things for the challenge, and Edgar has been my biggest challenge yet.

ZF: Your character, Edgar, goes through an interesting journey – he is disinherited and then disguises himself as a madman to escape. How would you describe him?

JM: Gullible is a befitting word to describe the characters in King Lear. Fingers are pointed, accusations are made, and no one seems to question these motives until it’s too late. Edgar’s loyalty, honesty, and innocence get the better of him. He is forced to abandon everything to save his own life. I have seen quite a few sentimental Edgars, but I focus more on his heroic side, and how he grows from a bumbling innocent to a future king.   

ZF: John Bell is a legend in the field – declared an Australian National Treasure. What’s it like working with such a figure, and what have you learned from him?

JM: John’s ability to tell a story is quite remarkable. His intelligence, intuition, and instinct are out of this world. Which leaves me to only one conclusion: he has superpowers. I’ve been checking out what he eats – tuna, tomato, and beans.

ZF: What do you think accounts for the Shakespeare’s longevity?

JM: His plays still raise questions with no right or wrong answers.

ZF: Contemporary theatre often ‘reinvents’ Shakespeare. What about this production will be familiar, and what will be unique?

JM: This is a production that focuses on story clarity rather than superfluous extravagances. The simplicity of such a convoluted and powerful play is this production’s strength.

JOSH MCCONVILLE performs alongside JOHN BELL in KING LEAR at the Playhouse, QPAC, from May 5 to 22. QTIX: 136 246 / www.qldtheatreco.com.au

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