Earlier this year, Harry Connor made his first major on-screen debut as co-lead character Aaron Lewis in Everyone Else Burns for Channel 4. The sitcom is about a Mancunian family made up of Simon Bird (as David), Kate O’Flynn (as Fiona), Amy James-Kelly (as Rachel) and Harry, with the show being directed by Nick Collett. Since the age of seven, Harry has trained at The Drama MOB drama school, and he is set to film a small role in an unannounced feature film. Answering our questions, Harry speaks about having his first major role in Channel 4 sitcom Everyone Else Burns, playing Aaron Lewis alongside his on-screen family Simon Bird, Kate O’Flynn and Amy James-Kelly and being directed by Nick Collett.

You co-star in the new Channel 4 sitcom Everyone Else Burns as Aaron Lewis, can you tell us about the show and your character?

Everyone Else Burns is a sitcom about a Mancunian family who are in a highly religious fictional sect. My character, Aaron Lewis, is the youngest family member and is arguably the most religious. He likes to express his feelings about his family through his vividly biblical art.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked the role for your first major character on screen and was there anything that drew you to the show?

I was over the moon to find out I got the part and didn’t believe my mum when she told me.

I loved the script the moment I read it. The writers, Dillon Mapletoft and Oliver Taylor, are both very funny and extremely talented. I also loved the character of Aaron, on the surface he seems like he is just a weird kid who hates his family but there is a lot of depth to him and the role.

The second stage of the audition was via Zoom with the director Nick Collett, and upon meeting him, I was really determined to get the role. It, of course, didn’t hurt that I would get to act opposite the likes of Simon Bird, Kate O’Flynn and Amy James-Kelly.

What is Aaron like to play and how did you prepare for filming?

Aaron is a very fun character to play, he’s full of little quirks and unusual characteristics, which were great to explore as an actor. To prepare for the role, I spent a lot of time with Nick, Dillon and Oliver going over the background of the character to really dig into who Aaron is at heart. This helped me understand the character a lot better.

What is it like working alongside your on-screen family Simon Bird, Kate O’Flynn and Amy James-Kelly?

One of the best things about being a part of this series was having the chance to work with Simon, Kate, Amy and the whole cast and crew. Over the five weeks we were filming, we got to hang out a lot together, which was really fun.

Simon very much took me under his wing, putting me at ease from the first rehearsal and helping me on set.

I had such a great time with Kate too. We would often sit in the green room with Simon watching game shows and playing board games.

Amy took on the role of my big sister behind the scenes. She gave me loads of tips and really helped me settle in. We have kept in touch since filming and she recently came to watch me as Mr. Wormwood in my drama school production of Matilda. She is amazing. They all are!

How is it on set of the series and being directed by Nick Collett?

I feel very lucky that my first acting job was working with Nick. He put me at ease whilst filming and always had time for me no matter how busy he was. He certainly made life on set lots of fun. I learned a lot about being on set and about production while working with him, which was great too.

Who do you think will enjoy watching Everyone Else Burns and how did you feel seeing it released on Channel 4 earlier this year?

Everyone!!! Well, it is on after the watershed, so it is aimed at adults. But anyone who loves a good British comedy is certain to enjoy it. It was great seeing all of the scenes come together on screen and I really enjoyed watching the scripts come to life. I must admit, I have discovered that I am not of fan watching myself on TV though.

How was it hearing the fan response to the release?

It was great to see how well-received the show has been with the fans. We all fell in love with the series and the characters and so to see everyone, including the press, embrace them was exciting and fulfilling to see.

What are some of your favourite highlights from being involved with Everyone Else Burns so far and filming Series 1?

Working with all the amazing cast and crew was one of the main highlights. I also enjoyed getting to know the ins and outs of what it takes to create a TV show. The baptism and caravan fire scenes were awesome to film and lots of fun too!

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

I would have to say it comes from my mum. Some of my earliest memories are playing imagination and improv games with her. I have also been attending The Drama MOB drama school from age seven and I have been able to learn so much from my classes in a fun and engaging way.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I really enjoy Aardman Animation films such as Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit. My favourite TV show, apart Everyone Else Burns, of course, is The Simpsons!

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I enjoy days out with my family, cooking, playing cricket, reading and video games.

Is there anything you enjoy most about working in the acting industry?

Definitely the people.

Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?

To enjoy it, have fun and be myself.

Do you have any upcoming plans that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2023 brings for your career?

I am about to start filming for a small role in a feature film, but I can’t say more than that at the moment. Watch this space!

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