Netflix Heartstopper’s Cormac Hyde-Corrin will make his stage debut this August in the world premiere of Northbound Boy by Oberon Books founder James Hogan. A new queer comedy exploring love and what we consider valuable, Northbound Boy follows 43-year-old Ken as he picks up a younger man at the service station only to realise the hitchhiker Rory is looking for a different type of ride. After a short drive to Ken’s recently inherited home, Rory makes a play for Ken’s family jewels, only to discover the elusive Aunt Ivy has already whisked them away. This home certainly isn’t where his heart is, and it’s not just the skeletons coming out of the closet.
Cormac, best known as series regular Harry in global Netflix phenomenon Heartstopper, will star as 19-year-old Rory, a hitchhiker picked up by Ken played by Neil Ashton known for playing Davey MacDonagh in Sky Originals’ Brassic. The cast is completed by Sarah Moyle, best known for playing the much-loved series regular Valerie in BBC’s Doctors and the original West End and Broadway casts of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem, as Ken’s mysterious estranged Aunt Ivy.
Northbound Boy is the newest work by James Hogan, known for founding Oberon Books in 1985 and his previous play Venetian Gold (Cockpit Theatre London, Edinburgh Festival Fringe, King’s Head Islington 1991). Now in his 80s, Hogan stepped away from Oberon Books in 2019 to put more time towards his first love, playwriting. The show will be directed by Alex Jackson, co-founder of the Exeter Fringe Festival, making his main house debut after completing the King’s Head Theatre Trainee Director scheme.
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| Cormac Hyde-Corrin. |
Ahead of this run we caught up with Cormac Hyde-Corrin to learn more.
What can you tell me about Northbound Boy and your role of Rory?
Northbound Boy is about 2 different people, from different backgrounds, different ages but both from single parent families, finding each other at a time when they both need to find someone. My character Rory will aways find a way to enjoy himself in any situation- Including being cheeky and taking risks.
What attracted you to this role in particular?
I’ve never done theatre before, I am at a time in my life where I am no longer afraid of challenging myself with things that take me out of my comfort zone and lead to new experiences and personal growth. Cym on! (Sic)
When did you know that acting was something that you wanted to do?
I’ve always been around actors, growing up with a mum whose an actress. She used to take me to set all the time when I was a baby, it’s literally in my DNA. We did Shakespeare in English and I was decent at it, and then I ended up getting a couple of auditions. Then I ended up going to the Brit school- I did directing there- which is also something I love to do. I was even in a film with my mum the other day- so I guess you could say we’ve come full circle.
Have there been any people or performances that have inspired your career journey to this point?
I love the film sexy beast- I recon I’m gonna make a great gangster one day! I’m a fan of Stephen Graham. I also love Harvey Kietel, Jodie Comer and Joaquin Phoenix.
How have you been preparing for making your stage debut in this production?
Everything is very new to me, I am working out my processes as we go, but for now I am trusting in the process which is getting easier every day. I use voice memo to help me with my lines, and Neil Ashton and Sarah Moyle, my co-stars have been great at giving me advice.
What do you think Northbound Boy says to an audience?
It sheds light on different types of relationship that you don’t often see in the media, and also different types of love. Family, friendships, intimacy and kindness- and how forgiving others, and forgiving yourself is the first step to freeing yourself.
How has being Harry in Netflix’s smash hit adaptation of Heartstopper changed your life?
I think, because I was so young, it made me develop a professional mind set. This helped me to understand a lot more about what life in the industry will really be like. It’s helped me to adjust my goals- I’ve had insight into lots of different roles in the industry and it has helped me to discover that I like directing as well as acting.
Sometimes I get recognised- mostly I see people whispering to each other and I can see they are talking as out me. Often they don’t approach me- probably because my character was a villain!
What keeps you inspired?
For a while, I’ve really liked the work of Yorgos Lanthimos- his last film was a bit mental though!! I like directors that stay true to their own version of cinema- people that aren’t afraid to be different. I’m also inspired by people that use their creativity for good.
Why should audiences book to see Northbound Boy?
Well, to start with, there is a fantastic cast. Working with actors Neil Ashton and Sarah Moyle has been so fun because they are so skilled. Its been really insightful and I have learned so much.
This play is funny, entertaining and meaningful- If you come along I think you will have a great laugh and something to think about for the next week.
Plus the theatre’s got air-conditioning.
Northbound Boy runs at King’s Head Theatre in London from 13th August until 1st September 2024. Tickets are available from https://kingsheadtheatre.com/whats-on/northbound-boy
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