Tom Fox - Tristan & Yseult Interview

Experience the original, critically acclaimed production of Tristan & Yseult - one of the most influential theatre productions of the 21st century. Adapted and directed by Emma Rice, the iconic show returns to the UK stage for the first time in ten years, offering a rare chance to encounter a modern masterpiece fresh and live on stage.

John Leader (Tristan), Tom Fox (Morholt and Brangian) and Nandi Bhebhe (Yseult). Photo by Steve Tanner.

First created in 2003, Tristan & Yseult took the theatrical world by storm. Visceral, playful and heartbreakingly beautiful, this internationally celebrated production blends myth, music, movement and storytelling into an unforgettable theatrical night out. This landmark show, which has inspired a global generation of artists and audiences, is now remade, remastered and truly unmissable.

With the show on tour playing in the UK and in New York City, we chatted to cast member Tom Fox, who plays Morholt and Brangian in the show.

Tristan & Yseult is widely considered one of the most influential and celebrated British theatre productions of the 21st century. How does it feel to step into a show with such a rich legacy as it makes its return to the UK for the first time in ten years?

Completely daunting at first: what a legacy to be trusted with. Although Emma and the original team have been so generous with us all - supporting us and encouraging us to all take on the mantle and make it our own.

The production is billed as being ‘remade and remastered.’ For audiences who saw earlier iterations—or for new audiences encountering it for the first time—what makes this fresh version feel so vibrant and relevant today?

The story is timeless - the complexities of love, wonder, and war are ever so present. The show cannot get away from commenting and mirroring the state of the world now, but also the cast are born to play these parts - and they are electric from the very first scene to the end of this beautiful piece.

The tagline describes the show as ‘a poem to love and its madness.’ How does that central theme resonate with you personally as an actor?

I have a background in clowning. The show gives us high comedy and epic drama. The clown always wants to be truthful and beautiful - not just funny and silly. It’s the perfect show for this… my characters are just trying to play their truth when everything around them goes awry.

Brangian is a pivotal character in the myth—fiercely loyal, protective, and central to the tragedy of the lovers. How are you approaching your interpretation of the role?

Brangian is incredibly dutiful and loyal to a fault. What a wonderful thing to play in a story that is all about madness, love, and anguish. Her story takes on lots of twists and turns. I try and play this in the moment every night and react without preempting what happens next.

In Emma Rice’s storytelling, characters often balance high comedy with devastating heartbreak. Where do you find the balance between humour and emotional weight when playing Brangian?

My goodness - she goes through it all! Emma and the writing team, Carl & Anna, have been pivotal in helping with Brangian’s journey - the stages are there in the text and beautifully written - a pleasure to play every night. Emma, being an incredibly funny clown herself, has helped me shape Brangian into a funny character that the audience feels a strong connection to.

In addition to playing Brangian, you play Morholt. How do you navigate shifting between two very different energies and roles within the same performance?

It’s amazing to play a character who instigates utter chaos and then a character who is directly affected by it. The contrast of class, status and power between them makes them the perfect companion characters. If only they could sit down and talk to each other!

You have a fantastic working history with Emma Rice, having appeared in Wuthering Heights, The Little Match Girl and Happier Tales and A Child’s Christmas in Wales. What is it about Emma’s creative world that keeps drawing you back?

Emma’s worlds are utterly theatrical - powered by story, song, emotion, and anarchy. Every project is completely different, with Emma forming a different world for us to explore. I love working with Emma because you feel confident to play in the world she has created, make mistakes, have fun, make an offer - and she has the ability to pick the nicest, most talented people to be around.

Emma is famous for her unique rehearsal room environment. How does her rehearsal process encourage play, movement, and ensemble storytelling?

She’s said this before: the rehearsal room is like a ‘youth club’. Lots of activities happening at the same time - you may be looking at music, or text, or movement, or a trick, fight, fall, etc. We then show-and-tell and put the pieces together. The show does feel like it organically comes together.

Having worked with her across several distinct projects, how has your collaborative shorthand evolved over time?

Now I’ve worked with Emma a few times - she definitely knows I’m an idiot in real life and not just on stage. This means I’m able to play and present without inhibitions and know when she likes something or not.

Kneehigh and Emma Rice productions are renowned for their signature fusion of live music, movement, and low-fi theatrical magic. How physically demanding is this production, and how do you prepare for it?

This might be the most physical show I’ve done. Lots of rest, lots of water, a very rigorous warm-up, and pacing myself during the week. Jobs a good’n. 

Music acts almost as a character itself in Tristan & Yseult. How does live musical performance shape the rhythm and energy on stage each night?

Music is absolutely vital to the show. It raises the stakes and keeps the emotions high. What a privilege to share the stage with so many talented musicians.

You’ve worked extensively in comedic and physical theatre—including Pride and Prejudice…But Funny, Suitcase Shakespeare, and Frankenstein (On a Budget). How have those experiences prepared you for the fast-paced, irreverent style of this show?

My company, Lamphouse, is known for fast-paced shows with quick changes and physical comedy. Being able to tour extensively with these shows and connecting with an audience every night has been vital to playing this role.

The UK tour kicks off in September before heading across the Atlantic to the iconic StAnn’s Warehouse in Brooklyn this November. What are you most looking forward to about sharing this show with audiences?

The show takes the audience on such a ride - and is always unexpected. I can’t wait to see how this plays out across the UK and in America. I’m particularly excited about students or young people seeing the show who have never seen anything like it. I remember seeing Emma’s work for the first time. It was life-changing.

If you could ask your characters a question, what would you choose to ask them?

I’d ask Brangian if she could have any time off. She works too hard. I’d also ask Morholt if he wanted a Spa Day… he needs to chill!

What was the first piece of theatre you remember having a big impact on you?

Emma Rice directed the clown troupe Spymonkey in a show called Oedipussy. It was the funniest, most bizarre thing I’d ever seen. I discovered clown and devising and Emma’s work all through this one show. What a treat.

If audiences leave the theatre having felt just one specific emotion or message from this production, what do you hope that is?

Bittersweet hope.

Tristan & Yseult runs at:

Theatre Royal Bath Until Sat 19 Sep 2026
Theatr Clwyd, Mold Tue 22 - Sat 26 Sep
Citizens Theatre, Glasgow Wed 30 Sep - Sat 3 Oct
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford Tue 6 - Sat 10 Oct
The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh Tue 20 - Sat 24 Oct
St Ann's Warehouse, New York City Sun 1 - Sun 22 Nov
Oxford Playhouse Tue 26 - Sat 30 Jan 2027
Nottingham Playhouse Tue 9 – Sat 13 February
Theatre Royal Plymouth Thu 4 - Sun 7 Mar
York Theatre Royal Tue 6 - Sat 17 Apr

For dull details and booking information, visit https://www.emmaricecompany.co.uk/productions/tristan-%26-yseult

Tom Fox.