How long did it take you to master all the different voices required for all the characters in LOTR?
It didn’t take years to learn the impressions, though I had to spend a lot of time by myself, trying not to look totally insane (especially with the character of Gollum). In fact, I found the character of Gollum to be the greatest mental block, yet when I ‘unlocked’ the voice of Gollum, the impression gelled. I’d say, overall, I spent about a month thinking about and trying out the voices.
The show is so fast-paced. How did you build the stamina to see it through to the end?
Rehearsal is important to learn the geography of the show, some parts are uphill, other parts plateau, and hopefully nothing goes downhill. It’s like learning a dance or training to do a half marathon, once you’ve established the routine it’s merely a matter of following it. Except with a performance you have to prepare the unknowns that sometimes pop up and interrupt the flow of the show, i.e. Cell phones going off.
What do you personally find funny?
Many, many things. Everything from John Cleese to George Carlin, David Sidaris to Red Letter Media, Metalocalypse to Bill Bryson and Cute Overload to Fenslerfilms. Laughing is the best thing ever.
Which is your favourite character to imitate? Why?
I don’t have a single favourite character. I have favourite moments that will hopefully delight the audience. It is surprising how much fun the character of Denethor is to perform- you’ll see what I mean if you come to the show.
What do you think accounts of the worldwide appeal of your show?
They’re based upon two of the most successful franchises in movie history. The stories are both about the little guy rising up to a potential that he never knew he had, and striking a blow against oppressive powers. Who would want to do that?
You’ve also done Star Wars. In what ways are the two projects similar and how are they different?
Story-wise, LOTR is very similarly structured to Star Wars. Many of the characters too share aspects between the trilogies: Obiwan and Gandalf, Luke and Frodo, Gollum/Smeagol and Vader/Anakin, etc. My previous experience adapting Star Wars prepared me for LOTR. What might have felt like an impossible task suddenly seemed plausible. Plus, I loved the LOTR films, which meant my adaptation would come from the heart.
What’s your next project?
To be honest, I have looked and watched all the trilogies I can get my hands on. There are few that match up to Star Wars and LOTR. My hope is that either The Hobbit or Star Wars episodes 7, 8 and 9 will help me answer that question.
Charles Ross will be performing at DBS Arts Centre for One Man Lord of the Rings from Jun 18-23. Tickets from SISTIC at various timings.
