Interview: Andrew Rothney, actor

Occupation: Actor.

What was your first job?

Doing my best as a checkout boy in Tesco.

What has been your most unusual job?

Being King James IV in Edinburgh Castle this summer. It was a surreal experience.

My biggest achievement so far has been . . . Graduating from drama school and being lucky enough to get a job!

My worst moment ever was . . . Seeing my Granda for the last time before he passed away. He was one funny rascal.

Three words that sum up my personality are . . . Peculiar, melodramatic, happy.

Favourite place in the world?

In the wings of the theatre and hearing the audience’s excitement as they come in.

Three places in Edinburgh I could not live without are . . . Holyrood Bar, The Meadows, the train stations.

Who is your best friend?

Iain Macdonald – the funniest person I know.

Which TV show do you never miss?

I’ve not had a TV for a good few years, but Curb Your Enthusiasm would be up there.

If you could bring one show to Edinburgh what would it be?

My fictional one man show Andrew Rothney vs Acting: This Time It’s Personal.

Name one item you not live without?

My phone. Annoyingly.

By what ethos do you live your life?

I really just try and enjoy my life and make people laugh. Simple things.

Andrew Rothney is playing the parts of Martin and The Beast in Beauty and the Beast at The Royal Lyceum – see feature on pages 10-11.