Luke Evans Reflects on 'Joyous' Filming in Wales and Rocky Horror Legacy
The actor shares his positive experiences filming a new drama near his family and reflects on his time playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter on Broadway.
Actor Luke Evans described his recent four-month filming experience in Wales for the upcoming drama 'The Party' as "joyous." For the project, Evans, 47, portrays Martin Gilmour, a journalist whose life is intertwined with a charismatic politician, played by Tom Cullen.
While Evans had previously filmed in Wales for 'The Pembrokeshire Murders,' this recent project allowed him to be significantly closer to his family. "They were only 25 minutes from me up the road [this time]," he said, contrasting it with the greater distance to his family in the valleys from Pembrokeshire. His parents still reside in his childhood home in Aberbargoed. "We were having dinners on the weekend, walking the dog, enjoyed a rainy three, four months in Wales over the winter period. It was joyous. I loved it," Evans shared.
Adding a personal touch, some of Evans' relatives secured a brief cameo in the final episode of the drama. "[My cousins] were like 'can we be in the show?' They are, they're in it. My cousin and his wife and their kids are in the final episode," he recounted.
Following the wrap of filming in Wales, Evans transitioned to New York to star as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the Broadway revival of 'The Rocky Horror Show.' He described the seven-month run as an "incredible experience" and "the most wonderful, inclusive, joyous two hours of my day." Evans noted the audience's enthusiastic reception.
Evans also spoke about the influence of the original actor, Tim Curry, on his performance. He mentioned receiving messages and audience members comparing his portrayal to Curry's, expressing how proud Curry would have been. Curry, who passed away at 80 in August, originated the role on stage before the 1975 film adaptation became a cult classic.
"So I had to send him a letter, even if he'll never read it," Evans said. "I just felt like I had to say thank you because I really believe that if it wasn't for Tim's performances as Frank-N-Furter, I don't think that film would still be around. He really kept that show, and the messages throughout the show are so prevalent and strong and important today as they were 53 years ago."
Evans received a response from Curry's team three weeks before his final performance, stating his appreciation for the letter. Tragically, Curry passed away the day after Evans concluded his run in the show.