In this exclusive feature for Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast, we chat with Tony-nominated actor Samuel Barnett about his remarkable performance in ‘The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse’ at Nottingham Playhouse, where he tackles over 15 characters opposite Maxine Peake.
Connecting virtually with Samuel Barnett between performances at Nottingham Playhouse, I can sense his enthusiasm even through the screen. With just days left in the run, Samuel is reflective but energised as he discusses the challenge of playing everyone from Margaret Thatcher to Jesus opposite Maxine Peake’s formidable Mary Whitehouse.
“It’s been a real challenge,” Samuel tells me, settling into our conversation. “It’s nice to be at this point in my career and still be getting challenges, things that I haven’t done before, especially in theatre”.
The play centers around Mary Whitehouse’s infamous blasphemy trial against Gay News in the 1970s, exploring themes that feel shockingly relevant today. When I ask about portraying characters on both sides of this historic culture war, Samuel leans forward, suddenly animated.
“It’s so interesting because obviously it is a historic culture war, but it’s unreal how similar the rhetoric is today. This culture war, it’s actually frightening,” he says. “The play spans right back from the 30s through the 60s, 70s, 80s and into the early 2000s. And actually, you see that nothing’s changed. The language, the rhetoric, the culture war is exactly the same.”
In a time when headlines suggest a country divided, Samuel’s experience with Nottingham audiences offers a surprising counterpoint. His voice softens with genuine emotion as he shares what happens nightly during the show.
“In Nottingham, you’re getting a really politically diverse audience. They’re all coming to see the show. It’s a difficult watch because you’re watching Mary Whitehouse really be homophobic for a couple of hours. But at the end, something happens… there’s always this spontaneous round of applause when they understand what this character is.”
His eyes brighten. “The media would have you believe that everything is going to absolute hell in this country, especially on the extreme right. And actually, it’s more that they’re just shouting louder. People who are more central, left and right, they’re just not as loud about it, but they have a collective response to the message in this play. It moves me every night. It’s a really beautiful thing to see.”
Working with Maxine Peake has been a highlight for Samuel. “She’s extraordinary,” he says without hesitation. “She plays Mary from 21 years old up to 91. Both her aging and her de-aging is absolutely extraordinary. She’s a really brilliant actor, the most amazing scene partner.”
Samuel’s career spans from his Tony-nominated performances in ‘The History Boys’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ to Netflix’s ‘Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency’. When asked about his approach to stage versus screen, he considers thoughtfully.
“With theatre, you get weeks and weeks to build it into your body and muscle memory. But in TV, you do all of that work on your own,” he explains. “What TV has, which I just love, is that you can do all that stuff, but actually you’ve got to turn up and be completely present and in the moment. I love doing that because it’s like there’s no filter.”
Looking back on his career journey, Samuel shares a moment of vulnerability that might surprise fans. His one-man show ‘Feeling Afraid as if Something Terrible is Going to Happen’ at Edinburgh Festival was both his greatest challenge and revelation.
“I had a proper meltdown,” he admits with disarming honesty. “It was stand-up comedy, essentially. It was a play, but it took the form of stand-up comedy. And I am not a stand-up comedian.” He laughs. “It was one of the top theatre experiences I have ever had. The response was extraordinary. I did kind of go, well, if I can do this, I can do anything.”
That fearlessness led him to tackle the 15-plus characters in ‘The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse’. “Coming to Mary Whitehouse, I just went, oh, I can do this. Sure. Fifteen characters, a few more offstage voices. Why not?”
As our time wraps up, I ask what advice he’d give to his younger self. His answer reveals both wisdom and a refreshing humility.
“I wish my little 21-year-old self had been less hard on themselves and had relaxed into it a bit more,” he reflects. “Ever since doing ‘Feeling Afraid’ in Edinburgh, I’ve rediscovered that innocence and naivety and just love of doing the acting. I do the work for the sake of the work now, not for trying to get good reviews, not for trying to get any attention. I just do it because I love doing it, which is a really nice place to have reached in my middle age.”
For those considering catching the final performances at Nottingham Playhouse, Samuel’s enthusiasm is infectious: “Grab your tickets because it’s selling out. Maxine Peake is hilarious and it’s very moving. It’s very funny and very unexpected. It leaves you feeling positive and hopeful about things. It’s a message of humanity and empathy and bridge building and being able to talk to each other.”
In a time when we could all use some hope and connection, ‘The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse’ seems to be offering audiences exactly that – along with the chance to see two extraordinary actors at the height of their powers.
Listen to the full interview with Samuel Barnett on the latest episode of Queerly’s Stage and Screen Podcast, where he discusses his 15-character challenge in depth, shares backstage stories, and reflects on his remarkable career journey from Whitby to Broadway.
“The Last Stand of Mrs. Mary Whitehouse” runs until September 27th at Nottingham Playhouse. For tickets and information visit: nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk