Steven Toast: ‘My dream role would be the lead in any of Shakespeare’s Henrys’

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Steven Toast

When Shakespeare’s Globe burned down seven years ago after an infamous all-dog production of Twelfth Night, as chronicled in the TV show Toast, fingers were pointed towards a certain actor, and many thought it would be curtains for the career of Steven Toast (Editor’s note: The Stage is legally obliged to state that Toast’s involvement in the arson was never proven).

But with a recent move to Hollywood and a rumoured role in the latest Star Wars film, Force the Wind, it looks like we will be raising a glass to Toast once more.

The mercurial actor, recently called “a talentless prat” by Greta Thunberg on account of his climate scepticism, may not rank highly among other actors of his generation. He will not be remembered for as long as more charismatic peers such as Ray Purchase. But he is certainly an actor, by some definitions.

Born into a rich naval family, Toast grew up in the tallest castle in the world. His father, Colonel Gonville Toast, never approved of his son’s decision to become an actor and always told people he was dead. Despite the adversity he faced as a child, Toast managed to forge a career on the boards and in our ears, known as much for his performances in the West End as his voice work, including an unusual audiobook of the Bible.

Why did you want to become an actor? Where did that interest in the world of theatre begin?

My father, as you may or may not know, was quite high up in the Royal Navy, which meant my brother Blair and I were stationed at various locations all over the world throughout our childhood. While staying in Calcutta, I remember my father taking us to the local market square to watch the thieves being flogged. I remember being struck by the sheer drama of the spectacle and noticed how everybody couldn’t take their eyes off the flog man. I knew there and then that I wanted to be involved in that kind of thing, or something similar.

You seem to come from quite a privileged background. Has that helped you in your career?

Not in the least. If anything, it’s hindered my efforts to be taken seriously as an actor. The profession has always been largely made up of left-wing, almost communist, types who don’t take kindly to one having access to money. What they don’t realise is that if it’s obvious one has money, then one really does not, for those with serious money hide it so not to be killed. They also can’t deal with the fact that both my father and brother have taken part, and sometimes led, every major battle/war since the Second World War.

Have you ever won any awards?

No. But I have been nominated, and have also appeared on a nomination long list, as I believe it’s called.

’I chose RADA at a time when it was not fashionable’

Why did you choose RADA for your training? What was your time there like?

I chose RADA at a time when it was not fashionable. I was studying during a summer of love, when learning your craft was considered ‘square’ by other young actors – all of whom incidentally are now working in hotels or programming dire displays of turgid ‘entertainment’ somewhere outside a large town.

You are renowned as one of Britain’s finest exponents of acting in high winds. How did you train for this?

Thank you. I practised by standing/rehearsing in very high-winds situations, usually at the end of a pier, while managing to concentrate on my dialogue, posture and predicament.