Rock Actor Daniel Francis
Daniel Francis-Swaby is best known for Alex Rider (2020), Rumpelstilzchen (2021) and Small Axe (2020). Theatre credits include: Twelfth Night at the Royal Exchange, On Fleek (The Royal Court), Les Blancs (National Theatre) and Milk Milk Lemonade (Ovalhouse).
ALT caught up with Swaby as he is about to take on the role of Buddy in The Book of Grace a new play coming to The Arcola theatre in London, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Susan-Lori Parks. Suzan-Lori Parks’ (Topdog/Underdog; Father Comes Home From The Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3) this explosive 2010 play gains timely new resonance as the world watches its own borders in the hands of award-winning director Femi Elufowoju jr.
Why did you become an actor?
I was raised by a single mum who travelled a lot with me, we lived mostly in the UK, but also America, Australia and Jamaica. She had to work hard, and I was an only child so I’d watch a lot of TV. I remember adults used to say I’d get square eyes. I just loved it.
I decided as a six-year-old to be an actor and at every stage, no matter how hard it’s been, I love the new depths that acting brought me to. Firstly, doing drama clubs at school, putting on plays, and then studying at Italia Conti. It’s never been a question of “what shall I do?” But finding more ways to do it. I’m a very curious person. I like people watching. Some call it eves dropping. But we have to truly observe, and dig deep within ourselves.
What is the best thing about your job?
Getting to play a character that challenges me. I aim to experience life on so many levels and being someone else allows me to do that. Especially a character who thinks differently to me.
How do you go about approaching a new role?
I always read the whole script through first. And when I’m playing the role, I am that person.
How did you land Buddy in The Book of Grace?
Like any other audition – my agent sends me a script and I read it.
What was it about the script that you liked?
Character development. Complicated interpersonal relationships. Each character goes on a journey. I was excited about the idea of playing someone who has so many layers and shifts. A three-dimensional person rather than just some lines to say. Suzan writes brilliantly and I am excited about bringing Buddy to life.
Are you familiar with the work of Suzan-Lori Parks?
Yes. I’d read Father Came Home From The Wars and Topdog/Underdog, and seen scenes from it.
Tell us a bit about Buddy and how you connect with the character?
I’ve been healing my inner child. For myself and for my work. As an actor I should always be growing and improving myself so that I know more, build more skills, understand more, bring more. Characters like Buddy are why you have to dig deep when if you want to become someone else. Buddy has so much trauma.
What do the play’s themes speak to?
Deep love and deep hate. And there is love through the whole play. The kind of love you have for someone who’s done so much wrong but they’re your family.
What have you liked so far about working with Femi Elufowoju jr ?
Femi’s got a vision. And excellent outfits. Femi seems at one moment so current, and in the very next, doesn’t know what “going commando” means. I’m also loving our conversations that aren’t about our show. We talk a lot about theatre and music and his perspectives are wonderful.
Why should potential audiences come and see this play?
I’m in it and I’m going to be fuc*ing brilliant! Seriously though, it is a play that delves into the human psyche and how trauma can affect a family unit. Couple that with great directing and wonderful performances from Peter and El. All with the backdrop of the American border wall. Suzan-Lori parks’ play is even more poignant today, only she could have predicted the tensions and polarisation of the US-Mexico border wall.
If you could play your dream role, what would that be?
Tybalt from Romeo and Juliet.
Where do you call home?
I moved around so much growing up, there has only been one place that was a constant in my life and that’s my Grandma’s house. Travelling is a huge perk of acting. So, I gladly go where the opportunities take me. Currently I live in South London with my future wife. She’s my home.
The Book of Grace opens on May 16th at The Arcola Theatre
Book tickets for The Book of Grace
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