Welsh actor Callum Scott Howells, 23, is preparing to take over the role of Emcee in the Olivier-winning West End production of Cabaret next month. The Rhondda valley native, who shot to fame playing Colin Morris-Jones in Russell T Davies's hit drama It's a Sin, describes the production as 'the most playful thing I've ever done'. He recalls watching the film version as a child, finding it both captivating and frightening.
Howells acknowledges the stark contrast between his new role and his character in It's a Sin. 'I'm excited about flipping that on its head,' he says, noting the Emcee's purpose to shock and subvert audience expectations. He even draws a surprising parallel between the Emcee and Dominic Cummings, calling it 'the most ridiculous reference point'.
The actor sought advice from his It's a Sin co-star Omari Douglas, who played Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret last year. Their conversations focused more on the historical context of Weimar Germany and the rise of Hitler than on the roles themselves. 'Me and Omari don't normally talk about such deep things,' Howells laughs. 'It's usually just pop culture and reality TV.'
Howells was still at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama when he auditioned for It's a Sin. He felt a deep connection with Colin, a Welsh queer character on a journey of self-discovery. Despite his nerves, he landed the role. His first day on set, filming a scene in a gay pub, was 'terrifying' – his red face from raw nerves required no acting.
He credits Neil Patrick Harris, who played Colin's mentor Henry, for guidance both on and off screen. Harris, who previously played Emcee on Broadway, offered advice when they met for dinner during his Doctor Who filming. 'It was brilliant to nibble on his ear about it,' Howells says. 'My nerves just dissipated.'
Portraying Colin's decline due to AIDS was daunting, but Howells felt a responsibility to depict it accurately, knowing it was based on real stories. 'There was no room for airs and graces,' he says. The show's impact became evident when lockdown lifted and fans approached him on the street, some even calling him Colin. 'It's lovely the way it's entered mainstream culture,' he reflects.
