In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time we’re chatting to Emilio Encinoso-Gil who will be playing Kyle in Do I Love You?. This hilarious play by John Godber follows twenty somethings Sally, Nat and Kyle as they develop a love for, and the people involved with, Northern Soul.
1. My route into theatre was…
I was always obsessed with anything to do with entertainment and making people laugh. I remember I used to watch a lot of comedy movies and then started watching some plays at my local theatre and thought, ‘I’ve got to get in on this, it’s brilliant.’ So I started acting from a young age in and out of school in Hull, and continued to study Drama and Performing Arts through secondary school and college, trying to get involved with as many productions as I could. I then went on Drama School in Wigan, where I did Acting.
2. My West End idol is…
One of my idols has always been Lee Evans, I think he’s amazing and one of the comedy greats. I also like Reece Shearsmith. I think he’s brilliant and I may be being slightly biased as he’s also from Hull. I’m a big fan of Jeremy Jordan too. I saw him in concert once and was blown away by how talented he is.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
I’d like to think talkative, energetic and annoying (in the best possible way) but kind and a good laugh.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
The Play That Goes Wrong. I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever seen. It’s so so funny and so expertly done. I’ve seen it so many times, along with other Mischief Theatre shows and they never get old. I would love to one day be in one, as they’re hilarious!
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
I was lucky enough to be nominated for a BroadwayWorld UK award for my role as Kyle in Do I Love You? a couple of years ago, that was amazing and something I’m really proud about. I think also coming back to perform in my hometown of Hull as a professional actor was something that still gives me goosebumps. It’s so cool to be able to come back to where it all started and be proud of where you are now and how far you’ve come, and to be able to share that with the people who started it all off for you.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
I’d probably go with the times when you’re auditioning and not necessarily getting the work. It’s such a tough industry with so many talented people within it. You can have the highest of highs and then the lowest of lows and you never know when it’s going to happen. One minute you could have job after job booked but then the next you might be auditioning for months and not getting anything from it. I think it’s just a thing of being aware of it and keeping going, regardless of whether you’re working or not, and being grateful for the results no matter what.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
I’m a massive fan of football so I might have tried out to be a professional footballer. Or maybe gone into some sort of video editing as I really enjoy that too.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’ve never broken a bone! (Touch wood).
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Always keep learning. It’s something I still say to other actors today. Whether you’re in a cast or company with people that have worked in the industry for ten years or ten minutes, you will always learn something from them.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Probably that you will have a lot of rejection and there may be moments where you think what’s happening isn’t going to work out, but to keep going and stick at it because what you’re doing now will all be worth it. Also put lots of research into taxes now because it’s very confusing later if you don’t!
Get your tickets to see Emilio in Do I love You? today!
