Oliver Chris On Tom Stoppard’s Generational Masterpiece & Villainous Joy

After a successful run at the Old Vic at the top of the year, director Carrie Cracknell’s take on Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia is now playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre. Set in a country house, it spans centuries in a single narrative – a generational masterpiece that weaves together chaos theory, romantic poetry, British garden history and the question of what it means to exist in time.

Oliver Chris, who makes audiences squirm as the dubious James Vereker in Rivals, plays Bernard Nightingale – a charming, competitive academic convinced his own theory is correct, facts be damned. As the West End run continues, C&TH sits down with Chris to discuss the thrill of Stoppard’s dialogue, playing post-truth rogues, and why Temptation Island has such a grip on him.

Q&A: Oliver Chris On Arcadia & Rivals

‘Watching my kids run across an open field is one of the greatest pleasures in life.’

Can you give us an elevator pitch for Arcadia?

Only if the elevator was the Tardis. This play is a generational masterpiece that explores what it is to be alive in time; living, learning, longing and loving throughout the ages. Skimming across maths, physics, romantic poetry and the history of British gardens. Oh, and tortoises. It’s set in a big country house, though, which is very on point with your readership. More importantly, it will make you laugh, then cry, then break your head, then shatter your heart.

You play Bernard Nightingale – how would you describe him? And how do you get into character?

Bernard is a charming, competitive, slightly misogynistic, extremely arrogant academic who has a theory that he is myopically determined to prove at all costs. No matter if the actual facts say something different. He’s very post-truth. And extremely fun to play.

What is your favourite part of the play to perform?

Some plays are like climbing a mountain every night. This one is like skiing downhill. It’s extremely fun. The dialogue and ideas fly like sword fights and I’m blessed that my fellow actors are completely masterful to spar with. It’s a total thrill.

‘Some plays are like climbing a mountain every night. This one is like skiing downhill.’ (Chris in Arcadia rehearsals with Nikki Amuka-Bird © Manuel Harlan)

You’ve also been on our screens recently in Rivals. What has that been like to be a part of?

Just phenomenal. It’s a wonderful show made with total joy, love and devotion to the incredible source material. The fact that people seem to receive it with the technicolour joy that it’s offered is one of the great pleasures of being an actor. I’m incredibly proud to be involved. Even if I am completely horrible in it.

James Vereker is a very singular man. How do you get into character?

I find it very easy. Too easy. I should probably be worried about that. But I’m having too much fun…

Tell us about the cast dynamic and vibe on set.

It’s the worst kept secret in show business that the Rivals cast all get on really well. Everyone involved across the cast, crew and creative team are all lovely people at the top of their game delivering something that we all care passionately about. What’s not to like?

‘I find it very easy [to get into character]. Too easy. I should probably be worried about that.’ (Emily Atack & Chris in Rivals season 2 © Disney)

I wouldn’t recommend filming to the ‘Birdie Song’ all day. Definitely not with a hangover. That tune will get stuck in your head.

Anything you can tease about what’s in store for season 2 part 2?

Well, part one ended with a bang! I think we’re going to see the fallout from that and it’s going to be messy!

What has been your favourite project to date?

I’ve been so lucky to work on some incredible things. Some real cultural high points. Honestly, I don’t really have a favourite but those things that are lucky enough to get well received have a very calming effect. In a very subjective world, they feel like a job well done. As a creative you aren’t really in control of how things are received but when they have a lasting effect on people it’s a very magical thing to be involved with. A privilege really.

‘It’s the worst kept secret in show business that the Rivals cast all get on really well.’ (Chris in season 2 © Disney)

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

I’ve worked with some brilliant people. The older I get the more I just watch actors around me and find myself thinking just how completely wonderful they are and then I realise they are all looking at me and I remember I’m supposed to be saying my lines…

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’d like to start being really, really, really bad. Maybe with a sword. Maybe with a scar. Or one eye. And I’ve definitely got some more Shakespeare in me too. That stuff’s good stuff.

Do you get to spend much time at home? And do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I live in the town. I love living in the town. I’m a town guy. But I also love getting out into the country. Watching my kids run across an open field is one of the greatest pleasures in life.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

It’s pretty good actually. My partner is also an actor and we’re lucky enough to work a fair bit, but even when we do we’re able to get a lot of time at home. We don’t have to leave for the office at 7am and come home at 8pm for forty-six weeks of the year. Sometimes, if schedules clash, things can get hairy. I spent last summer throwing children across Europe. But that’s life right? We signed up for this chaos.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Kindness. Tolerance. Read more. It’s not that difficult. Or maybe it is….

What Oliver Chris Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… Temptation Island (season 2 – don’t judge me. Fine. Judge me).

What I’m reading… The Red And The Black by Stendhal

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Temptation Island (season 1).

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Top Gun The Musical. They’re not making it. But they should.

Favourite film of all time… Impossible question but here’s a few among many… Kramer Vs Kramer, Casablanca, Back To The Future, Point Break.

Favourite song of all time… Again impossible but I’m currently obsessed with Raye’s new album and if I have to pick a song it’s ‘Click Clack Symphony’.

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Raye.

My ultimate cultural recommendation… All of it. Get out there and eat up the world. There’s something mind-blowing just waiting for everyone.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Temptation Island (seasons 1 and 2).

Oliver Chris stars in Arcadia, running at the Duke of York’s Theatre until 12 September. Rivals returns for season 2 part 2 in November on Disney+.