On the coach with actor and singer, Tom Milner
From Bradford in northern England, actor and singer Tom Milner is best-known for his roles in Waterloo Road and Holby City, as well as his appearance on The Voice
UK. Tom stars as Johnny in
American Idiot, the Tony Awardwinning rock musical based on Green Day’s bestselling 2004 album, at Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre from March 19 to 23
How much TV do you think you watch every week?
I struggle to nd the time to watch much TV as I’m rehearsing and touring quite a lot at the moment with American Idiot – which I love! Also I can’t sit still for a long amount of time; I prefer to be doing things. However, I’ve recently got into Peaky Blinders – if it’s a good series then I’ll be hooked, and Cillian Murphy is great.
Were you a fan of Green Day growing up?
Yes, who wasn’t a fan of Green Day? I loved watching the videos on MTV. I never imagined I would be in a musical written by the lead singer one day, though.
Is there just too much good TV now to watch it all?
For sure! With Netflix and Amazon, etc., I can spend half-an-hour going round in circles. It reminds me of the days wandering around the local video store trying to pick a DVD to rent. Sometimes there is too much choice.
You competed in The Voice UK, so who would be in your dream lineup of judges for a talent show?
Oh, that’s a hard one! De nitely Kelly Jones (Stereophonics), Michael Jackson, Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys) and Celine Dion.
What are your unmissable shows right now?
As I said I’m totally hooked on Peaky Blinders. Me and the Mrs loved watching Nashville too, that was great. Can you believe I haven’t actually watched Game Of Thrones yet? At the moment it seems like too big of a commitment with all the touring I’m doing and I’m afraid I might get hooked.
What show would you like a cameo in?
De nitely Peaky Blinders. I’ve been trying to learn the Brummie accent from Joshua Dowen ( Tunny in American Idiot) in case I get an audition, haha! I would love to wear their cool costumes too. It would be a total change from the mad American Idiot gear.
What shows do you watch the old-fashioned way, i.e. once a week at a particular time?
I don’t really do that. I’m never in one place at the same time every week to allow me to make a date with the telly. Usually, I’ll put a movie on but never later than 7pm because I nod o to sleep if it’s any later. Don’t tell my character in American Idiot that – he would not think it’s cool!
Have you ever had an unexpected incident on stage?
I’ve been very lucky with avoiding accidents on stage – touch wood – but I remember once doing a show and running to do my quick change. I fell through my dressing-room door and broke my little nger. I then had to go on stage and do Shake Your Tail Feather…
What huge watercooler show have you not seen?
Would have to be Game Of Thrones. Think I’ll just have to cross that one o the list for good.