In January 2023, Isaac Benn joined the BBC daytime soap Doctors as regular character Ollie Millar with Kiruna Stamell and Richard Atwill as his on-screen parents Kirsty and Rich, and he attended last year’s British Soap Awards, where they were nominated for Best Family, with his final scenes airing in October. Further screen projects for Isaac have seen him play Young R. D. Laing (David Tennant) in the 2017 feature film Mad to Be Normal, and he appeared in a well-known Weetabix commercial in the same year. On stage, Isaac performed in his first play in September last year, playing Tommy Williams at The Shawshank Redemption at the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley, and he is returning to the theatre this month as Hanschen Rilow in Spring Awakening, and he is set to play Miss Trunchbull at The Hinckley School. Also a music artist, Isaac is lead singer in the band A Mess For Mad Dogs, and recently performed at Clarence, Speakeasy, Woolly and The Burbage Constitutional Club. In January, Isaac released a poetry book on Amazon Kindle called Leaves: Act One: The Return to Castle Forlam. We chatted to Isaac about his regular character of Ollie Millar in Doctors, what it was like filming the Weetabix commercial, being a music artist with A Mess For Mad Dogs and releasing his poetry book this year.
What was it like joining the cast of Doctors in January 2023 as new regular character Ollie Millar and how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role?
When I first heard I’d be joining the Doctors team, I jumped up and down in the middle of my street, and decided against a haircut as my hair was required for the first couple of episodes! Thrilled would be an understatement. It was an excellent experience through and through.
Can you tell us about Ollie and what was he like to play?
Ollie Millar is a very morose and troubled young man that couldn’t quite find his purpose as of the time of the storylines in the show. I found his vulnerability quite relatable, as I, like many other teenagers, have been in many tricky fight or flight situations whilst growing up. Though I feel he does grow from his failures, and is a much chirpier character when he finds a relationship with Scarlett (Kia Pegg‘s character).
How was it filming opposite Kiruna Stamell and Richard Atwill as your on-screen parents Kirsty and Rich, and with the rest of the cast?
Filming with Kiruna and Richard was always comfortable and fun. They both have a tremendous sense of humour, and played their roles very well. I felt so welcomed by the team!!
How did you find the experience attending the 2023 British Soap Awards and how was it being nominated for Best Family?
I was both ecstatic and incredibly nervous to attend the awards last year, as I knew that there would be acting veterans from all the other soaps attending too! Being nominated was a dream come true. I was truly honoured, and proud of what Ollie, Kirsty and Rich had achieved!!
What was it like filming your final scenes as Ollie, which aired in October, and is there anything you miss most about working on Doctors?
It was a bittersweet final day on set, but also one of my favourite episodes to film. I thought Ollie’s exit was ironic and humourous, as he leaves the show as miserable as when he entered it! Kia was wonderful to work with, as usual. I will certainly miss the cast members I frequently worked with, and the warm welcoming atmosphere at the HQ.
In 2017, you played Young R. D. Laing (David Tennant) in the feature film Mad to Be Normal, how was this?
Lots of fake blood involved! My short scenes were grotesque and emotional. It was a joy for 12-year-old me. I luckily got to briefly meet David Tennant after his performance in a Don Juan in Soho play. He’s a lovely gentleman!
What do you remember from filming the 2017 Weetabix advert and how was it seeing the commercial on TV for the first time?
I always and still get asked whether I have an unlimited supply of free Weetabix! The answer is unfortunately no, but filming that advert is one of my best memories as a child actor. I remember them having a bucket next to me in case I was sick from all the eating! Luckily I wasn’t, as Weetabix unironically is one of my faves. At the age of 12, I was over the moon seeing it play on the telly for the first time!
What was it like playing Tommy Williams on stage in The Shawshank Redemption at Concordia Theatre in Hinckley in September last year?
It was very refreshing to do my first ever play. The Shawshank Redemption is one of the greatest stories ever told on film, so to do it on stage was a privilege. I also got to meet the writer of the play, which was awesome!
As a music artist, you are the vocalist in A Mess For Mad Dogs, what do you enjoy about performing as part of a band and can you tell us about some of your recent gigs?
This year, so far, has been the best when it comes to gigs with A Mess For Mad Dogs. We’ve recently filled out the Clarence, Speakeasy, Woolly and The Burbage Constitutional Club with our rock n roll set. As lead singer, it’s always a joy to interact with a wild, enthusiastic audience.
In January, you released your poetry book Leaves: Act One: The Return to Castle Forlam on Amazon Kindle, what was it like to write?
Writing the first act of Leaves took a long while of prepping and mapping things out, as it’s set in my own fantasy world with its own set of rules, religions, magics and cultures. Hopefully by the time I get to the final act, the poetry series shall gain some more attention!
Where does your love of acting and music come from and how did you get into both?
Acting for me was a no brainer as my mum works as an acting coach whilst my dad takes part in local theatre shows! It’s cliché, but the older I get, the more I appreciate the art form of acting. When it comes to music, I began by learning guitar during the COVID lockdown, whilst watching films such as Walk The Line, which guided me down a very rockabilly and country path! Since then, I’ve formed a tremendous band and bond with William Russell, Toby Barnes and Tyler Rawlings.
Can you tell us about your acting training, which includes the National Youth Theatre?
As well as being a member of the National Youth Theatre, I have also taken part in various workshops with director Sean Glynn, actress Lauren O’Rourke and some private lessons with Ben Cogan, among others.
What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?
I am currently rewatching Game of Thrones for about the fourth time. Its always been my favourite TV show (not counting the last season!). In terms of movies, I’m into thrillers such as The Shining, and my favourite theatre show by a long mile is Sweeney Todd!!
How do you like to spend your free time?
Writing, singing, playing Baldur’s Gate 3, playing Elden Ring, and watching WWE!
Do you have any projects coming up that you can share and what are you hoping this year brings for you?
Indeed! This month, I shall be portraying Hanschen Rilow in a Tinhatters production of Spring Awakening at the Concordia Theatre in Hinckley. In addition, I shall also be playing Miss Trunchbull at The Hinckley School. I hope this year shall bring me good A-Level results and lots of bacon!
Follow Isaac on: