He is one of the most beloved horror movie actors of our time but his career has been a mixture of ups and downs...and monsters! We chatted with Nicholas Vince about his life and what's to come.
NYX: How long did it take you to write this story of your life, and how much have you left out?
NV: The stage play was written from May to October 2019. I love how my "FINAL DRAFT" stops at version 2.1. Which means I was making changes through the two weeks of rehearsals for the stage performance at London Horror Festival. That ran 50 minutes. I worked on the screenplay in November 2021 and then in March, July and September 2022. There are a few moments I've left out, not 'deliberately'. More that I only remembered them after principal photography in July 2022 and pickups in October 2022.
NYX: You detail the pain and suffering you had as a child via accounts on your surgery and bullying at school, but what happy memories do you have of your formative years?
NV: Those are all associated either with family or youth drama activities. I was very lucky that in the 1970s West Sussex County Council ran a week long residential drama summer school, which I attended for about 5 summers in a row. That's where I mad lots of friends from all over the county. In fact I met my oldest friend on one of those courses.
NYX: Your time and work with Clive Barker is well documented but this new film of your show sees the real respect between you, do you think you’ll work together in the near future?
NV: I really hope so! We've been talking various projects in the last few years, but none have yet come to fruition.
NYX: Talking of the show why did you decide to make a film of it?
NV: During lockdown in 2020 Mitch Harrod, the producer of the Soho Horror Festival - a festival celebrating LGBTQI+ film making - asked if I'd like to film a couple of scenes from the show. I filmed it with the help of my husband, speaking directly to camera on the iPhone. I was really pleased with the result. I realised there's something very powerful in talking to camera, and it would be interesting to combine this with filming the stage show in front of a live audience. (Sadly, the footage for was lost during a hard drive crisis on my side.)
NYX: What’s it like going through your life in each performance?
NV: For the stage show, each performance was different as in live theatre it really is a dialogue. As a performer you listen to the audience reaction and make adjustments. Sitting through screenings with an audience is different. Then I'm listening for the reactions to certain sections and then, as in the theatre, I have a chance to chat with audience members afterwards. Those conversations are often about people telling me they were a weird kid too.
NYX: Clause 28, to me, was a monster, would you agree?
NV: Yes. I was conscious when I was writing the stage play about not wanting to come across as the 'old gay' trying to tell young people how hard we had it. Society has made so many advances, such as the use of pronouns. I imagine it's really freeing to rid yourself of boy / girl and woman / man. Suddenly, you don't have to try to live up to the expectations of those roles. Much easier to just be you. However, I included the part on Section 28 as it was such a huge aspect of my experience. And it is a warning. The exact same arguments we heard during Thatcher's government are being used by today's right-wing politicians.
NYX: What was it like when you returned to acting, were you nervous?
NV: Oh yes. I did evening classes at a national drama school in North London for half a term, just to remind myself how acting works.
NYX: How did you meet your husband and how does he cope when you’re recognised by fans?
NV: We met at a party in 1999. Hmmm. I've just realised, I met two significant men in my life at parties. At the latter, I went with a clear determination that I was going to meet the man I'd spend the rest of my life with. So far, so good. Concerning fans, I've just asked him. He says he usually takes a step back as they're really not interested in him.
NYX: What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an actor?
NV: Immediately, I'm reminded of Noël Coward's lyric's addressed to Mrs Worthington about her daughter:
The profession is overcrowded
And the struggle's pretty tough,
And admitting the fact, she's burning to act,
That isn't quite enough.
All of which is true and if you let that put you off, then probably best not to try. If you're not put off, then become as good to excellent in as many skills as you can. Juggling, acrobatics, dance, horse riding, stage fighting, whatever takes your fancy. You'll be more employable. Make your dream come true. Emphasis on the word 'make'.
NYX: You have had many jobs in your life, where were you at your happiest time?
NV: On the set of Hellraiser. First film. Amazing cast and makeup crew. Friendships decades later.
NYX: So, what are you working on at the moment?
NV: Writing. Once I Am Monsters! Is released at the end of the month, I plan on returning to writing a third volume of short stories. This year has been about travelling and having building works and getting decorating done. There's also a novella in the works.
NYX: Nicholas Vince, thank you very much.
A special 500 limited edition Blu-Ray of I AM MONSTERS! is available to pre-order and purchase until October 31st 2024. These will only be available from the Dark Rift Horror website.
