From Barton to Bridgerton
An actor-musician who first trod the boards as a seven-year-old at Barton Village Hall with Up-Stage Theatre Company and Barton Players, is currently appearing on TV screens worldwide after landing a role in a Netflix blockbuster.
Jack Curtis (Stage Name Jack Ward) who recently appeared in Season Two of Bridgerton
Jack Curtis is in the much-anticipated season two of Bridgerton, which was released amid great fanfare on the streaming service last week.
The 23-year-old, who appears in the credits under his stage name of Jack Ward, plays the part of an earnest suitor in episode two of the period drama, called, ‘Off to the Races’.
Jack, who cut his theatrical teeth on stage in the annual Barton Players Summer school in productions such as Aladdin, Pirates of Penzance, and Aristocats, filmed the scenes last year under strict lockdown conditions after sending in a self-tape to casting directors. It followed the completion of three years of studies at the Guildford School of Acting.
Jack in Barton Players 2014 Summer School production “2014 - A Space Oddity”
“It was a fantastic experience – and to get my first acting job after university in a production like Bridgerton was the stuff of dreams really,” said Jack. “It was slightly daunting – on the first day I had to play an antique flute – badly – in front of the rest of the cast!”
As well as playing the flute, as one of a number of suitors who attempt to display their artistic talents in a bid to impress Edwina, played by Charithra Chandran, Jack also has a speaking part in the opening scene of the episode, at the head of a queue of keen bachelors lining up to woo the young debutante.
Jack added: “I learnt a lot working in such an environment and hopefully it stands me in good stead to develop my career now the industry is opening up again following the lockdowns.”
Director of Up-stage Theatre Company Keith Badham said: "It was really exciting to see Jack on the screen in such a huge show as Bridgerton. We can't wait to see how his career develops in the future"
