THE REAL was pleased to catch up with actor Jake Kenny Byrne recently to discuss his character Christopher in the exciting new series of G’Wed, his love for acting and his plans for the future. We have no doubt that a hugely successful career awaits Jake-read on to find out all about him.
by Lucy Ashburner
In the show G’Wed, your character, Christopher, is placed into an unfamiliar environment and is forced to adapt – did you have any similar real-world experiences you could draw on?
The one thing that comes to mind is a time I’m sure most of us are able to empathise with over 4 years ago now! When I was around half way through my second year at drama school and the world went into lockdown during COVID, we all had no choice but to adapt to being isolated from our friends and loved ones. In this case, we’d gone from rehearsing together in a room to seeing each other in boxes on a laptop. I’ll never forget standing on my bed practising stage combat with a broom. Once restrictions eased, it made us realise how unequivocally important being in a room with other actors was! I also think it readied us for going out into the industry once we graduated, with the feeling that if we could get through that, we could get through anything!
What drew you towards G’Wed and your character Christopher specifically?
Danny’s script was so bold and hilarious – it reminded me of shows that I love of a similar DNA like Derry Girls and The Inbetweeners – but it had this heart to it that made it unique. I loved being part of a show that celebrated people who you don’t see represented on TV enough. I was drawn to Christopher because his journey into the unknown paralleled mine, because I’d never been to Liverpool before the show, so I felt like it was a joint experience where character and actor collided! Also, exploring Christopher’s journey in Season 1 of G’Wed, dealing with the grief of losing his Mum and finding a new home and friends challenged me as an actor. It made me realise how you can touch on sensitive topics through comedy.
What/who inspired you to pursue a career in acting?
My family have always been so supportive of me pursuing it. From an early age I was already interrupting family dinners acting out a recap of the recent Simpsons episode! I was obsessed with dressing up as Cruella De Ville and Doctor Who; I used to write and create short films running around in the forest near my house with a long coat and sonic screwdriver in hand! I’ve always had a love for cinema and TV. I enjoyed being part of plays in my school, and subsequently joining the Rose Youth Theatre in Kingston I fell in love with the craft and performed on stage in their Christmas production. From then on, I knew that I wanted to train at a drama school and loved my 3 years at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Shirt: Isto
What is your personal favourite role that you have undertaken?
I think so far it has to be Christopher. I’ve never had the chance to revisit a character, so to be part of an incredible ensemble that I’m such close friends with off screen was a dream come true. Christopher has also grown a lot in Season 2 and it’s been a joy in this new series discovering his sense of humour with the lads and confidence, in contrast to his more wounded introverted nature in Season 1.
You starred in the 2019 thriller Survival Box – do you hope to appear in similar style films in the future?
I would love to throw myself into any genre. Being a part of a thriller was so exciting particularly when you’re surrounded by immersive sets. I’ve been watching Severance on Apple TV recently and I love how the show is so specific and innovative and that it’s a multitude of different genres in one that you can’t pin down. It’s so unpredictable that way, creeping you out one moment then making you shed a tear the next.
Jacket: Isto
T shirt: Fursac
How do you prepare yourself for a role? What are your main techniques?
I don’t have a set technique as it differs depending on the role. However, I love doing the detective work and excavating the character and the text. I find that once I’ve done the homework, being in the room with other actors and improvising allows me to free myself up and play. I also love to make playlists on Spotify and find music that allows me to access the emotional life of the character.
Jacket: Isto
T shirt: Fursac
Trousers: Lanvin
What are your long-term career goals as an actor?
I’ve always had a love for screen and would love to keep jumping between comedy, drama and everything in between, stretching my range. My love for acting started on stage so it would be amazing to tread the boards again, as what makes theatre so special is that buzz you get performing live in front of a different audience each night. I’m looking forward to meeting new people in the industry too and enjoying this wild ride.
Are there any roles/genres you are yet to explore that you wish to?
I would love to be delve into horror or sci-fi. I’ve been lucky to have played contrasting roles in crime drama, period drama and comedy so far – from a school kid to a Bullingdon Club toff to an incel American teenager to Jane Austen’s brother. With horror and sci-fi you can really push it to the extreme and transform – and after discovering my love for doing just that as Cruella De Ville when I was 4…it would be fun to dress up again!
G’Wed is available to stream on ITVX now.
Follow Jake on Instagram @jakekennybyrne
Team credits:
Photographer: David Reiss @davidreissphotography
Stylist: Olga Timofejeva @olgatimofejeva
Grooming: Rino Riccio @rinoriccio
Publicity: Satellite 414 Screen @satellite414screen
