Lights, Camera, Magic!

Over the years, as a bit of a sideline, I have taken on a few background roles in TV shows and movies.

My first role was as a pub-goer in the merry little movie, Sunshine On Leith. Little did I know that it would involve singing and dancing… This meme a friend made sums up my actual thought process…

After that, I worked a dozen or so times as background in Scottish soap River City. The most prominent (and recurring part was that of a barrister).

I did a few commercials (mostly almost unseen in the finished product), and I played several small roles in the comedy sketch show Burnistoun… but most of my scenes were cut 🙄

I wore a long wig, kilt and learned sword fighting for my part in Outlander, and while filming that, I could not believe the number of international tourists hanging around outside the studio!

Finally, I got a chance to use my skills! I was asked to audition for the part of a croupier for a Channel 4 show called Not Safe For Work, and I got the part.

You can find the video I submitted as my audition on YouTube. Although don't put on subtitles or you'll see that YouTube does not know what I'm saying. I have never referred to myself as ‘me mountain’ 😂

I also played a magician! I travelled into Glasgow and tried out for the role of a magician for a commercial. On the way in and out, I saw several other magicians trying out for the part. Some I recognised as being far more experienced than me, but apparently, I was the only one who made the audience laugh, so I got the gig!

Over the years, I've played a drunk, a Scottish warrior, a magician, a card sharp, a traveller, a diplomatic aide, a reporter and lots of other things.

I've also said Hi to Ewan McGregor, quizzed Dexter Fletcher about working with The Rock, shown magic to almost all cast and crews I've worked with, been hit in the face with a custard pie and been thrown off set by Johnny Lee Miller (Sick Boy from Trainspotting) 😂

It's not something I would do all the time, as the days are long, and the money is okay for supporting roles, but when I do take a role, it's always an experience!