British actor and performer Liam Tamne chatted about taking over the role of Alexander McQueen in the Off-Broadway show “The House of McQueen.” It is being performed at the new venue The Mansion at Hudson Yards in New York City.
Tamne’s first performance as Alexander McQueen will take place on October 2nd. The show, written by Darrah Cloud and directed by Sam Helfrich, is being extended through November 2nd.
This play takes audiences through Alexander’s (born Lee Alexander McQueen) short but productive life, from his early days as an emerging designer, to later building one of the most important fashion houses in the world, and ultimately his tragic passing by suicide at 40 years old.
Playing Alexander McQueen
“It’s quite daunting,” he admitted about taking over the role of Alexander McQueen.
“Obviously, taking over from someone is always daunting, especially with an established company. This is such an iconic role and also it’s so integral in terms of like British history, as well as in terms of like fashion design,” he explained.
“Also, it is just a great story to tell even though it’s tragic,” he noted. “There is a lot of humor in this piece as well but there are a lot of subject matters that I think in society, we need to discuss more.”
“I think it’s quite integral that it’s happening, and it’s being presented to audiences constantly,” he said. “This is a story of his life and our director, Sam Helfrich, gave us the creative freedom to obviously play around with it in terms of characterization which was great.”
Presently, Luke Newton of “Bridgerton” is starring as the late but accomplished fashion designer. “Luke is great and he created such a great character,” Tamne said.
Working with Catherine LeFrere
On working with Catherine LeFrere, who plays Isabella Blow, he said, “I’ve only done a few scenes with Catherine but she’s incredible and so funny.”
Working with Emily Skinner
Tamne also praised Emily Skinner, who plays Alexander McQueen’s mother Joyce. “Emily Skinner is a tour de force. She is literally a sweetheart and everybody in the company speaks so highly of Emily, and I can feel that when I was with her and in her presence.”
“I am excited to share the stage with Emily and the whole company,” he added.
Lessons learned from this play
On the lessons learned from this play, Tamne reflected, “It’s quite interesting, really. There are quite a few similarities between me and ‘Lee’ so there’s a lot of stuff that I’m actually touching on that is quite prevalent within my childhood.”
“Lee and I grew up in similar circumstances and opportunities that weren’t readily available for us, so I know exactly what he’s talking about, and the things that happened to him that were out of his control,” he explained.
“So, I think I’m learning a lot in terms of doing therapy to deal with those matters and those issues. I openly talk about my mental health. I’ve struggled with my mental health for some time but I openly talk about it in the hope that I can shine a light on these subject matters,” he elaborated.
“When I was asked if I wanted to be involved with the piece, they told me to come and watch it, and then, I went and watched it. When I watched it, I knew I can get my teeth in it because there are a lot of relatable moments,” he acknowledged.
“There are a lot of relatable subject matters and it’s obviously something that is quite important to me, and I think I try to always do pieces of theater or TV because passion is so important, especially when you find something that you want to do and to actually really fully embrace and immerse yourself,” he expanded.
“I always try and find the right project, and this this definitely screamed at me when I watched it,” he added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “What an adventure, what a ride!”
“I am in this really cool place, I’m really proud of myself and my husband,” he said.
“We moved here in the U.S. and my husband has an incredible job. He is so supportive and we flew our two dogs Daphne and Godfrey over, and we’re really embracing the American dream and we are really going for it,” he elaborated.
“We’ve always said that we want our life to be in one big adventure, where we create memories for life,” he added.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Tamne said, “I think success is something so interesting. I think success changes as you age. Success, to me, means being remembered for the work I create and things that impact and resonate with people.”
“I think that’s the power of theater, and the arts in terms of entertainment. We have the power to actually change someone’s perspective or let themselves be seen and feel supported in a part of a community,” he explained.
Closing thoughts on ‘House of McQueen’
For fans and viewers, Tamne expressed, “I would like people to realistically come and watch it but obviously walk away and actually have those difficult conversations, and check in with family and friends and actually talk about some of the subject matters and and for it not to be taboo.
“I think it’s all about the sense of supporting one another and being there for one another, and I hope people enjoy the show,” he concluded.
Greek business magnate Aristotle Onassis once said: “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” Liam Tamne is an actor and individual who embodies this wise quote.
To learn more about British actor and performer Liam Tamne, follow him on Instagram, and check out his official website.
For more information on “House of McQueen,” visit its official homepage.
Read More: “House of McQueen” review.
