Interview: Liam Boyle of Awaydays

Lancashire born actor, Liam Boyle found fame in Dominic Savage's fully improvised  'Love + Hate'. Proving he had the talent to make it in the film industry, the 26 year old has since made a name for himself, through his role as Elvis in the adaption of Kevin Sampson's novel "Awaydays". Playing a in-the closet football hooligan in the film proved that Boyle had the ability to take on avidly complex roles, and his take on the scouse accent wasn't too bad either. After taking a liking to Liam, writer Sampton landed him the lead role in yet another film adaption of one of his novels, "Powder". We managed to catch up with Liam for a few mintures, and questioned him about how he got his foot in the door, and his tips for budding actors.

First of all, quite a cliché question, how did you first get into acting? Have you always been into drama from a young age?

I did drama at school and on Saturday mornings for something to do basically, then it turned into hobby. My first major taste for acting was when i was 13 years old at The Oldham Theatre Workshop. Becoming a "professional" actor was a massive bit of luck for me. I was spotted at college and got a part in the film Love + Hate which probably was the difference on becoming an actor, or doing something else dreaming of becoming an actor.

The character of Elvis in Awaydays is quite complex, how did you prepare for such a role?

Elvis was a little gem of a character with varied levels of emotion, the only way to describe how I prepared for it, would be to absorb the text and believe in it. When an actor believes that's when the magic happens.

Considering you’re from Lancashire, your Liverpool accent has been quite convincing in your roles in Awaydays and Powder, how did you go about perfecting it?


I read them yes. They were a massive contribution to the way I played Elvis and Keva, Kevin Sampson's writing gives such a descriptive insight into how people think. I loved both books but I found that the film scripts focuses on some undiscovered moments too, which meant I could fill in the gaps myself which is the biggest privilege I've had on my journey so far as an actor.

I had read somewhere that you sing in Powder, rather than having a voice-over, had you ever sang before or been in any bands previously?

The producers of the film wanted to hear me sing at the auditions, and they were really happy with my voice even though I had not sang before..
I had lots of help along the way from Jo Woodcock (who plays Ticky in Powder) who sings at an extreamly good standered and I also had singing lessons to teach me how to use my voice properly.

Do you think you will perform in any more films based on Kevin Sampson books in the future?

 I think it would be really interesting to see an adaption of Stars as Stars.
If they want wanted me its fair to say that I wouldn't say no. 

What are your plans at the moment? Are you currently filming?

The ball has started rolling on a film by the very talented Chris Green called 'Justified' which is a dark insight to the world of abuse
Its going to be the most challenging one yet.


And finally, what is your advice for budding actors and actresses hoping to break onto the scene?

Believe in your ability and If you want it enough, keep going and don't stop until you have got what you want. it could take a while but don't give in, because the next person who doesn't give in could pip you to the post.

By L.S In Awaydays i sat and pubs and bars on Hamilton Square Birkenhead and listened to the locals.  I just did what i thought was right and luckily it paid off. For Powder I'm using my own accent for that one.

Both Awaydays and Powder are based on books, did you read both of the books before filming? And if so, what did you make of them?