SPOTLIGHT: Mr Peter Singh

Shot on location at The Coach and Horses, London

Taking on a role once played by Sir Richard Attenborough is no mean feat, but it is a challenge that Peter Singh relished in the new Armando Iannucci directed The Personal History of David Copperfield which is in cinemas now.

The role of Mr Tungay is a much lighter one than some of Peter’s previous performances. In The Flood he played Fiaz on a journey from the Calais Jungle to the UK and into an immigration interview with Lena Heady. The film, released in summer 2019 coincided with World Refugee Week and was an important reminder of the journey that is undertaken across the world each day by countless refugees. To find out more about these recent films and more, we sat down for a chat with Mr Singh.

What were the challenges when working on The Flood?

The research was pretty challenging as its such a harrowing subject. It was something that I was aware of but I had no real idea of how much refugees go through. The whole movie was really low budget and was really a passion project. People like Iain Glen and Lena Heady did it because they were passionate about telling this story.

So much of what you have worked on seems to be socially relevant and modern. Is this something that is important to you when considering scripts?

I would certainly say that its a bonus if a script touches on these subjects. When you find something that chimes with what you feel and that is socially relevant I’m really pleaded and it makes it more exciting to be part of. David Copperfield is a comedy but it does have a number of modern themes and issues that make it modern. That’s the brilliance of Dickens as a writer. Even the smaller characters are so well realised.

Your role in David Copperfield was famously played by Sir Richard Attenborough. Was there any pressure in playing a role previously played by someone so iconic?

I did watch the 1970 version and I thought he was great. I didn’t feel any pressure really and thought that both versions are pretty different. I know other actors that might feel that seeing someone else in the same role interferes with their performance, but that’s no really me at all.

What was it like working on a production as big as David Copperfield?

Big productions can be intimidating but on set everyone is in the same boat. I get more nervous at the premiere or after-party. On set, no matter how big it is, you just want to be around people that are focused. I was working with great people and luckily on this movie, we had a rehearsal period so we got to know each other and work out the scenes. Hopefully that freedom and closeness comes across when people watch the film.

When did you first know that you wanted to take acting seriously?

I think I always wanted to act but it took me a long time to realise that I could do it and really wanted to do it. I would say that I was in my late Twenties when I thought I would do it snd see what happens. I’ve always loved film and performing and it was always there. I think approaching 30 made me think that it was now or never.

On those days involving long and tiring shoots, what do you do to switch off?

Netflix and a pint! I think I’m getting better at leaving the performance buzz on set. I did a radio play in Manchester with Glenda Jackson recently and we were saying that even on a radio show, there was a buzz.

Do you think that more needs to be done for actors of colour?

Yes and I think its happening and being done. Things are headed in the right direction but things can be done. More representation is a simple thing but seems to be hard to get to. Television and film should accurately represent the communities that we live in and I don’t think that it does that yet.

What are you working on at the moment?

After David Copperfield, I’m back to auditioning - the jobbing life on an actor. At the moment I’m just out there, having lots of meetings and seeing what comes. There is lots of stuff coming out too. There’s a film called Salisbury about Novichok poisonings. It’s a great three part drama that tells the story from the points of view of three different parties. I play a forensic scientist that figures out that a poisoning has taken place.

And finally what makes a rakish gent?

I think you’ve got to be yourself, but have a bit of attitude/ edge.

Quick fire questions

Ideal travel destination - somewhere with a bit of history and a beach.

Best store in the world - John Smedley

Gadget of choice - Telescope

Go to pair of shoes - New Balance sneakers

Brand /designer choice - Armani

Favourite fragrance - Lacoste

Essential grooming product - Hair pomade

Recommended app - BBC Sounds

Icon - Nelson Mandela

The Personal History of David Copperfield is in cinemas now.

Tajinder HayerJanuary 25, 2020spotlight, Peter singh, interview, long reads