Company Interviews: Tim MacLean as Elbow and Barnardine
We asked Tim MacLean, who plays Elbow, Barnardine, and a gentleman in our production of Measure for Measure, a few questions about himself, the play, and his musical past...
Tim MacLean as Elbow. Photo by Kyle Purcell.
What might people be interested to know about your take on your character?
It has been interesting to portray three different characters and find a way to make them each uniquely different. I’ve been experimenting with voice and physicality: how does this character walk? What are the vocal qualities of a character who drinks all day? Etc.
What neighbourhood do you live in?
I live on the Danforth right in the heart of Greektown! There are a lot of great restaurants and shops in the area but one of the best bars in town is The Only Cafe. They always have a great selection of beers on tap!
Measure for Measure is being performed at a music venue. If you were in a band, what kind of band would it be?
I was in a band! It was a reggae band and I was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist! I don’t really play any more, but I’ve been meaning to dust off the guitar and get back to practicing!
If your character were at Junction City Music Hall, what drink would they order?
I feel that if my characters were to drink, they would be on opposite sides of the spectrum. Barnardine would grab every bottle within reach, while I feel that Elbow is more of a tea toddler. The strongest drink he’d have would be root beer, but would probably abstain since there is beer in the title!
What is your post-show drink of choice?
After a show I’ll grab a Jameson’s on the rocks and a pint of lager.
Have you been in a Shakespeare BASH’d play before?
Including staged readings, this is my 7th show with Shakespeare BASH’d. I feel this is unique in that it’s far more topical than other productions I’ve been in. With the recent #MeToo movement, this play feels like it has its finger on the pulse of what’s happening. It’s fascinating (and unfortunate) that the themes within the piece are still relevant so many years after its release.
Favourite pop culture nun:
Tough one... I feel that it’s a tie with Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act” and Sally Field in “The Flying Nun.”
It has been interesting to portray three different characters and find a way to make them each uniquely different. I’ve been experimenting with voice and physicality: how does this character walk? What are the vocal qualities of a character who drinks all day? Etc.
What neighbourhood do you live in?
I live on the Danforth right in the heart of Greektown! There are a lot of great restaurants and shops in the area but one of the best bars in town is The Only Cafe. They always have a great selection of beers on tap!
Measure for Measure is being performed at a music venue. If you were in a band, what kind of band would it be?
I was in a band! It was a reggae band and I was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist! I don’t really play any more, but I’ve been meaning to dust off the guitar and get back to practicing!
If your character were at Junction City Music Hall, what drink would they order?
I feel that if my characters were to drink, they would be on opposite sides of the spectrum. Barnardine would grab every bottle within reach, while I feel that Elbow is more of a tea toddler. The strongest drink he’d have would be root beer, but would probably abstain since there is beer in the title!
What is your post-show drink of choice?
After a show I’ll grab a Jameson’s on the rocks and a pint of lager.
Have you been in a Shakespeare BASH’d play before?
Including staged readings, this is my 7th show with Shakespeare BASH’d. I feel this is unique in that it’s far more topical than other productions I’ve been in. With the recent #MeToo movement, this play feels like it has its finger on the pulse of what’s happening. It’s fascinating (and unfortunate) that the themes within the piece are still relevant so many years after its release.
Favourite pop culture nun:
Tough one... I feel that it’s a tie with Whoopi Goldberg in “Sister Act” and Sally Field in “The Flying Nun.”