Jason Barnett in rehearsal for Life of Galileo. Photography by Johan Persson.As we edge closer to the opening performance of Life of Galileo we took 5 minutes out with Jason Barnett who is playing the role of Federzoni. Jason returns to the Young Vic after appearing in Mad About a Boy in 2012.
1. Can you describe your character in Life of Galileo in three words?
The. Most. Important.
2. How did you find the rehearsal process in comparison to other productions you’ve been in?
It's been hard. There's an awful lot to excavate, but it has been fascinating every day.
3. What can the audience expect from this production that’s different to anything else they are likely to have seen before?
The space, the design, the integration of the music. I think it'll be AMAZING.
4. Have you ever invented anything before?
Yes. Caribbean sushi!
5. What are you usually doing 10 minutes before the show begins?
Catching up on Masterchef on iPlayer.
6. What is your favourite play (seen, read or worked on)?
Doctor Faustus . . . or maybe Henry IV Pt 1 . . . or maybe Measure for Measure . . . or maybe Big White Fog . . . or maybe, or maybe . . .
7. If you could travel anywhere in the universe, where would you go and why?
Tooting High St 'cos South London rocks!
8. What was it that first got you interested in the theatre?
The kids from Fame.
9. Who is your ultimate hero?
Martin Luther King.
10. If you could have any one supernatural power which would you choose and why?
The ability to lose weight at will.
11. If you could have been born in any era, which would it be and why?
I like the idea of being around for the Dizzy Gillespie / Miles Davis jazz era.
Life of Galileo runs 6 May – 1 July at the Young Vic directed by BAFTA Award-winning director Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride and Prejudice). Brendan Cowell plays Galileo following his acclaimed performance in Yerma. Book tickets now.
