The next interview in our stagey chat series is with Mark Irwin, who's currently playing the Barman in the West End production of The Choir of Man. The Choir of Man is playing at the Arts Theatre. You can book tickets here.

Get yourself comfy and join us for the next segment of Stagey Chat!

Hi Mark, how are you doing today? Thanks so much for chatting to Stage to Page! Would you mind introducing yourself to our readers and telling us how you first got into acting? 

I'm very well thank you. Keeping busy with cast change. My name is Mark Irwin and I come from Mullingar in Ireland. I first got into acting and drama when I was 14 in a local theatre company called the Mullingar Student Players. We done a production of Les Misérables and I played Enjolras and I was hooked from then.

You're currently playing the Barman in the West End production of The Choir of Man. Can you tell us about the character and what initially drew you to this role? 

It's funny actually because I started my Choir of Man journey playing The Romantic on a cruise ship and then in various productions such as the American tour and the Sydney Opera House. I then played the Hardman in Korea and it wasn't until I joined the West End cast as a swing, originally, where I covered the role of the Barman that I fell in love with it - and it then became my favourite role to cover.

As someone who's seen the show multiple times, it's full of relatable characters that are both raw and honest. Is there a particular character that you relate to the most and why? 

To be honest, I think most people can relate to multiple characters as they all have very different characteristics that all of us have in some way or another.

You've been around the globe with The Choir of Man, playing various roles. Has there been a standout moment from your time on the production so far? 

Yes, as I said previous I've been very lucky to travel the world with this show. Sydney always is a stand out, but for me its playing here on the West End and having my family and friends from home come to support me.

The show is full of audience interaction and participation. For this reason, no two shows are ever the same and audiences should expect the unexpected. Do you enjoy the unpredictability of the show? I can imagine it helps to keep the show fresh for the cast. 

Yes, no two shows are the same for that very reason. It keeps us all on our toes for sure, but it makes it exciting as we have had some funny characters join us on stage.

A question I ask everyone we chat to - my blog is called Stage to Page. But if you could turn any book, from page to stage, what would it be and why? 

I'm not a huge reader of books as I'm more of a series and movie kind of guy and most books I've read are already plays.

And finally, why should anyone reading this book tickets to see The Choir of Man? 

If you are looking for 90 minutes of absolute organised chaos then book your tickets. You will be laughing, crying, singing, dancing and ultimately leaving with a smile on your face. Oh and there's a chance you MIGHT get a free beer to top it off.

You can book tickets to see The Choir of Man here.