One minute with Stockport born It’s a Sin actor, Nathaniel J Hall
It’s a Sin star Nathaniel J Hall is a Stockport born actor, playwright and HIV activist. His award-winning solo show ‘First Time’ about his life with HIV, received audience and critical acclaim on tour and at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2019.
Where in Stockport did you grow up?
Gatley
What good memories do you have of visiting Stockport town centre when you were younger?
Climbing the brow up to the marketplace with my Grandma… it felt so steep I used to think I’d fall off the world. Oh, and sliding down the brown tiles outside the ASDA car park (if you know, you know).
We seem to be having more and more actors coming out of Stockport – Why do you think that is?
There’s something in the water (I’ve travelled the world and Stockport’s water is hands down the best).
What was it like to play a starring role in It’s a Sin, such an important series?
As a person living with HIV, I was so honoured to be involved in It’s A Sin. The reaction to it has been remarkable. For an entire generation of gay men and their friends and families, to see their stories told was validating. Our community was treated with such indifference and even disdain in the 80s and 90s. Even when I was diagnosed in 2003, the stigma and the shame loomed large – it still does today. It’s so important that we educate ourselves about that time and also fight prejudice today.
Stockport is going through a huge regeneration at the moment – are you aware of all the amazing changes happening?
It’s unrecognisable! Underbank is stunning. As a kid and teenager Stockport just couldn’t compete with the allure of the big city of Manchester, but the changes really celebrate the town’s history. I love grabbing a beer at The Cracked Actor!
What are you working on at the moment?
My autobiographical solo show is about to go back on tour (with a run in Manchester) this autumn and next spring. It’s called First Time and it’s about my life coming of age in Stockport, coming out as gay and being diagnosed with HIV. I’m also working on my second show and they’re might be other stuff in the pipeline too!
If somebody asked you what to visit in Stockport – where would you tell them to go?
Vernon Park, The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill, The Plaza (I was in the first show when it reopened!) Underbank and the Marketplace.
And finally… How many bricks do you think there are in Stockport Viaduct?
Oh my days! My Grandad calculated this once but he took the figure to the grave. I should have written it down…
Image supplied by Nathaniel Hall (He/Him) courtesy of Anton Mellor
Theatre-Maker, Writer and Performer | www.nathanieljhall.co.uk
Co-Artistic Director of Dibby Theatre | www.dibbytheatre.org
Performer enquiries to Jonathan Arun Group
Spotlight Pin – 8397-1273-6064
