As part of National Careers Week, we caught up with former performing arts student Jack Robertson.
Now a BAFTA nominated writer and actor, Jack began his creative journey at the college, discovering screen acting, filmmaking and writing while studying his course.
Fresh from starring as Sewell in the acclaimed production Gerry and Sewell, which recently completed its West End run at the Aldwych Theatre, Jack spoke to us about his time at the college, the mentors who shaped him and the lessons he has learned in his fast-rising career.
Jack remembers his performing arts course as a place of creative freedom and discovery. “I was given a lot of freedom to explore and experiment with different types of acting and creating at Gateshead College. Whether it was the film acting module, where we were given a camcorder and a scene to replicate, or the musical theatre module, the course allowed me to try everything.
“That film module confirmed my journey into screen acting and filmmaking. It also got me into writing and editing, which benefitted me a lot for my when the BBC commissioned me to make a short film. I was never a great singer when I started at college. Now I’m a West End actor who’s sung on one of the most prestigious stages in the country. I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help of Gateshead College.”
Reflecting on his time as a student, Jack speaks warmly about the teachers who influenced him the most. Without their help and support he would never have secured his first touring role with GIBBER and his part in William Oldroyd’s Lady Macbeth, where he worked alongside Florence Pugh, Naomi Ackie and Christopher Fairbank.
Jack credits former teacher Steve Forester-Melville, whose meditation and breath-control techniques helped him both on stage and in his personal wellbeing.
His career in comedy and writing began with a sketch screened at a BBC event in Newcastle. “It went down really well,” he says. This led to him and fellow alumnus Mark Kenny being invited to a writers’ room with Tiger Aspect. When Jack’s script for Where It Ends was shared with producer David Simpson, things moved quickly. “He loved it. We developed it together for about four months, then it was green lit by the BBC.” The short film went on to earn Jack a BAFTA nomination. “Personally it was a dream come true. I still can’t believe it. I met so many Film and TV icons. It still feels weird being regarded as BAFTA nominated.”
Jack describes the journey of Gerry and Sewell as fastmoving and surreal. “When we performed it at Live Theatre I knew it was destined for the West End, and after it transferred to Theatre Royal, I was certain. However, I didn’t picture it happening within three years. Absolute rocket fuel.” He credits director Jamie Eastlake for allowing him the freedom to shape his character through ad libs and comedic writing. “It felt like I was part of the show’s DNA.” Despite competing with huge productions, the show made a strong impression. “We were fringe underdogs with authentic northern stories and characters. We were the only show on the West End where you could wear a football top to the theatre.”
Jack says it has been “really wholesome” to see so many Gateshead College alumni involved in his creative journey. “The North East is bursting with creative talent and the fact that some of the people I work with studied at the same college as me is class.”
He finishes with advice for aspiring performers and creatives. “Don’t give up. Be patient. Don’t stop exploring and experimenting with creative channels. Rejection is tough but it’ll thicken your skin. Give yourself time to enjoy your life and be present with the people around you. Depending on your circumstances, family and friends can stop you from drowning. Don’t push them away in the quest for fame. Enjoy life first. And write. Have a journal. You don’t need to be a professional writer to write. I failed my English GCSE and somehow became a BAFTA nominated writer by writing small sketches, short films, thoughts and ideas. You might need to create your own work so if you can’t get through the door. Make the door.”
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