SPOTLIGHT: Mr Dino Fetscher

Photography - Nicholas Andrews

Styling and interview - Taj Hayer 

All clothing - Trunk Clothiers with CQP sneakers 

Shot on location at The Coach and Horses, London

In the few short years that Dino Fetscher has been working professionally as an actor, he has appeared in a number of high profile shows, all of which have captured the public’s interest for the way in which they focus on unique and thought provoking issues. Having recently appeared in Torch Song, at the Turbine Theatre in which he played Ed, a young man struggling with his identity and his sexuality in Seventies New York, we took the opportunity to learn more about him and what attracted him to the roles he has played and the difficulties that these roles have presented.

In Torch Song Ed is a character who struggles to decide what he wants what were the difficulties in playing that role?

Ed never really knows what he wants. He often thinks he does, and we meet him at different points in the play when his certainty in those beliefs are stronger than at other times, but he’s never quite sure of what he wants. Ed is bisexual and chooses a woman (Laurel) over Arnold, but eventually returns to him (or tries to) by the end of the play. Ed could so easily be played as a closeted gay man who, over the course of the play, initially fights and then eventually accepts his sexuality. But for me that would have been a very boring and obvious choice, I don’t think it would do his story justice. For me Ed really is bisexual, he truly does love Laurel, he wants to love her more to fit in with the Heteronormative 1970’s world which he belongs to but ultimately it’s Arnold he loves, it has always been Arnold. Specifically navigating and finding the beautiful detail in his often agonising struggle of a journey was the work for me. 

What are your thoughts on gay roles being played by straight actors and vice versa?

I used to think all casting should be dependant on suitability to the role/ character ie sexuality shouldn’t be taken into consideration. However, even though I still strongly believe an actors suitability to portray a particular character’s story is of the utmost importance; over the last few years I have come to realise how important it is and the duty we have to represent the LGBTQ+ community in a positive and visible way, not only in the characters portrayed but in actors themselves. There are far fewer LGBTQ+ roles than there are straight ones - and therefore I think there should be a massive conscious effort for more LGBTQ+ people to be seen for them. That said, I still believe the final decision should be determined by to who is best suited in truthfulness and ability to the character.

How important is it for an actor to have a social media presence?

I know lots of actors who are very active on social media and others who barely use it or don’t use it at all - so I don’t think it’s essential. I find it useful to promote and inform people interested in my work about upcoming projects, and it can also be a lot of fun. That all said I’m very conscious of how it can and has impacted on my mental health in the past. It’s so easy to downwardly spiral into anxiety with apps like Instagram - I often find myself comparing myself to others or just mindlessly scrolling. I’ve put a timer on my social media now which helps! I think it’s definitely something for everyone to keep a close eye on.

You’ve been in some of the most socially relevant and interesting TV shows over the last few years. What attracted you to roles in Banana and Humans?

I love complex, layered characters that surprise you. Characters who you can’t fully love nor hate, who are conflicted, visceral and fully 3D. Both Aiden (Banana) and Stanley (Humans) were such beautifully nuanced characters with boundless depths to explore - that was the big attraction for me. And beyond the characters I am always drawn in by the project as a whole, I have been fortunate to work on wonderfully interesting and important television, work that I believe really reflects society and the world we live in right now; Years And Years, most recently for example. That’s what really excites me and is what I adore about being an artist.

After Torch Song, what’s next?

I’m starting on a new project next week and have filming for Gentleman Jack series 2 in the summer. I’ve also been writing too which has been exciting - something I definitely want to explore more.

How do you unwind after two hours on stage every night?

With great difficulty! The adrenaline keeps me up for a good couple of hours afterwards. Generally though, I’ll read my book or play words with friends in bed like an old granny.

What is the one role you would love to play?

I’d love to play Iago in Othello. He’s so intensely bewildering and twisted, he intrigues me to no end. I would also love to play a corrupt Auror in an HBO Harry Potter spin off series or be in a film directed by Luca Guadagnino - his work always leaves me reeling.

What is your diet and fitness regime?

I lift weights at the gym and go to F45 and Barry’s bootcamp occasionally. I also practice yoga as often as I can. At the moment I’m really into handstands; I’ve been going to handstand school for a couple of months - you wouldn’t believe how good a work out it is. I’m aware it’s going to be a very long journey but I’m determined to nail it.

What are you proudest of to date?

I’m incredibly proud of all of the work I have done since graduating, and of all of the wonderful people I’ve worked with along the way. But I’m probably most proud of how I’ve dealt with the times I’ve not been acting; the times when I’ve had no work and had no idea what was next. Dealing with (and am still learning to deal with) rejection and disappointment, the times when I’ve given a full week to an audition only to never hear a single word back. It’s an incredible industry to work in but it can be a mine field of with mental health struggles along the way. I have such infinite respect for all performers who do what we do. 

And finally what makes a rakish gent?

Someone who has the courage to be their authentic self, no matter who may be watching.

Quick fire questions 

Ideal travel destination - South East Asia 

Best store in the world - Kiehls or Paperchase 

Gadget of choice - My phone? I’m not very cool.

Go to pair of shoes - Black or white trainers day to day and a funky trainer or a brogue for a special event.

Brand /designer choice - High Street; I really like Zara for and fancy designer wise; I love Tom Ford.

Favourite fragrance - Neroli Portofino - Tom Ford.

Essential grooming product - Kiehls factor 50++ sun cream.

Recommended app - Babel! I’m learning German with it and it’s amazing, best out there.

Icon - I don’t really have one anymore. It was Britney Spears when I was 15! But now I tend to see iconicness more in my peers and family. My mum is an icon, she really is.

Follow Dino Fetscher on Instagram.