Out & About Summer 2019

Out&About interview

“You can’t have too much art going on…”

worked in most areas of the profession – from panto to Shakespeare, the RSC and National Theatre, to films such as P addington 2 , plus lots of TV, including Doc Martin, EastEnders, Coronation Street and advertisements. He’s also appeared closer to home, on The Watermill stage and the Corn Exchange. Highlights of his career have included playing Shylock in Germany, one of the gravediggers in Hamlet , dancing with Petula Clark in The Sound of Music and working with many of our greatest actors including Benedict Cumberbatch, David Tennant, Albert Finney and Daniel Day Lewis. “Today I am usually cast as an eccentric old chap, like my role in Doc Martin where, together with my wife, played by Gemma Jones, I kidnapped Martin Clunes. “I realise I’m not going to be cast as Hamlet now – unless it’s an extremely avant-garde production – but my dream role would one day to have a crack at Lear. I suppose it is every old actor’s dream. I would also love to have a go at Fagan in Oliver! while I can still dance a bit.” And if he does bring some theatricality to this latest role as Constable of the Town and Manor, he expects it to be “more light entertainment than heavy drama”. Nick and his wife Caroline are rooted in their community, living in the town centre, and they love it. “Hungerford is the most brilliant place to live. Caroline

“It’s a very friendly place and there is always something going on. Our house is wonderfully located on the High Street, close to the shops, pubs and doctors, and the countryside is fabulous, with wild bits and rivers.” Hungerford has a vibrant programme of events and the Lumleys are great advocates of local arts: “Arts are vital for this town. “We have a great annual arts festival in July and it’s a good opportunity to meet up and see some fantastic performances. There’s everything from music to nature walks. “I also think that it’s a way to include the youth of the town who are quite often at a loose end in a small community like this. Something like The Town Show, which did a wonderful production of The Sound of Music this year, is a great bringer-together of all age groups. The youngsters were particularly strong and this has to be good for them, developing their presentation skills and confidence. “There are active photographic societies, brass bands, a choir, live music venues and a very lively U3A. “You can’t have too much art going on…” Nick’s vision for Hungerford is to make it even more vibrant. “I would love to see more for young people, although that may be hard to achieve. I would also welcome a closer link with the whole town, as it can sometimes seem like an ‘us and them’ situation. Everyone can get involved, especially as Town and Manor Trustees, and the next election for these will this month. In his time in office there are many official duties to look forward to. “There’s already been an enjoyable Constable service, where there was a great turn-out of youngsters. The Hungerford Summer Festival and carnival are coming up and, of course, we pride ourselves on our Extravaganza night and Christmas lights… then it will be full circle to Hocktide 2020. “But if I were to get bored, I could always go and catch a trout.” And when it’s all over, when Nick takes his final bow, he hopes people will say “Well that was fun – he didn’t let us down…”.

and I found it by accident when we were auctioneers in the Corn Exchange in the town 20 years ago and moved here.

Top, in Don Quixote at the RSC Above, as Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the RSC. Left, playing Mr McKay in a stage production of Porridge

61

O&A SUMMER 2019