On Sunday 10th November, Cassius Hackforth will be a special guest vocalist at Scott Alan’s concert at Cadogan Hall alongside further guest vocalists including Oliver Tompsett and Amber Davies. Earlier this year, Cassius played Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! In Concert for their UK premiere at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, and last year, he was part of For Tonight at the Adelphi Theatre as Taliesin. Cassius has previously played Peter in The Railway Children – A Musical in Guildford, and made his professional debut in 2022 for the London revival of From Here to Eternity. Also having screen experience, Cassius has unannounced projects coming up in 2025. We caught up with Cassius about this weekend’s concert with Scott Alan at Cadogan Hall, playing Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! In Concert and being part of For Tonight at the Adelphi Theatre last year.

This weekend (Sunday 10th November), you will be performing as a special guest vocalist at Scott Alan’s show at Cadogan Hall, how did you feel being asked to be part of the evening?

To be completely honest, pretty flabbergasted and utterly privileged. I’ve listened to his music for the best part of 10 years, all through my teenage years and training. I didn’t even know he knew who I was!! I then found out that Westlife’s talented and generous Mark Feehily had so kindly introduced me to him, and I am so excited to be performing amongst this stellar line-up.

What are you looking forward to for collaborating with Scott Alan?

His music is so personable, so real and written from a place of truth, and as I’m continuing to learn and explore and find, truth is the most exciting and beautiful thing to strive for. Oh, and they’re also absolute bops.

How have you been preparing for the show and what can audiences expect from the event/your performance?

Finding as much time as possible between my flurry of part-time jobs (the classic actors grafting life). A lot of listening and thinking and doing! I hope the audience can find some meaning from the song. It’s a real special one and very easy to connect with if you’ve ever struggled with depression and anxiety.

How do you think it will be performing at Cadogan Hall, and have you performed/seen any shows there previously?

I’ve always wanted to go to Cadogan Hall, but never had the chance. Never thought my first experience would be the pleasure of actually performing on the stage, and so I imagine it will be quite darn awesome!

Why would you recommend booking tickets to see Scott Alan Live at Cadogan Hall?

The actors performing on the stage are breathtaking, not only some outstanding West End veterans, but some new and exciting talent, I simply cannot wait to watch and absorb everything in! I’ve seen the songlist and oh my, you’re in for a treat.

You played Nigel Bottom in Something Rotten! In Concert in August at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, how was it performing in the UK premiere?

Probably one of the most special experiences of my life so far. One of those situations where you’re in the middle of a readthrough or rehearsal or performance and you find yourself thinking ‘how did this even happen to me?’. Playing Nigel was a dream, the entire company and material was a dream, and I will never forget taking that first bow in front of a sold out Drury Lane. I first listened to the Broadway soundtrack when I was 15 and it was my obsession for the whole of Year 10 in school, I distinctly remember sneaking into the computer room at lunch to watch clips of it. I thought it was remarkable. So to originate this role over here was just mind-blowing.

What did you enjoy most about playing Nigel and working with the rest of the cast?

What was so, so fun about Nigel was his honesty and humanity. Finding the balance between his naivety and intelligence and inner belief. Tim Jackson, our phenomenal director, facilitated such a beautiful space that meant even in such a short amount of time we could make these discoveries, freely play and fail and learn. It was just awesome. As for the cast, legends – the lot of them. I learned tones from all of them and laughed more than I ever have. A true pleasure.

Can you tell us about your experience as Taliesin in For Tonight at the Adelphi Theatre last year?

Another super special gig, especially as it is set in Trelawnyd, just a few miles from my hometown in North Wales. Spencer (Williams) and Shenelle’s (Salcido) music is captivating and full of so much love and heart – we all just had such a blast. And I have to mention Nick Evans, who I continue to learn so much from – he gave me my first job out of training and I’m forever grateful for him and his words of Welsh wisdom.

What was it like playing Peter in The Railway Children – A Musical in Guildford?

So much fun! I wrote to Alex (Parker) after falling in love with his and Katie’s (Lam) writing during my time with NYMT, and about six months later, this little opportunity came about. The music and orchestrations and community were so warm and stunning. I also met Deborah Crowe, who I can honestly say is one of the most hilarious people in the world.

What are some of your stand-out memories from making your professional debut in 2022 in the London revival of From Here to Eternity?

Falling off the stage.

But seriously, the buzz and dreaminess of it all. I’d just left drama school and the idea that I was actually doing this as a job was crazy. I felt so proud of the company and what we’d created together and I’ll never forget the energy of that first preview. It was a magical time. We got a chance to really explore and mould ourselves around our characters, and that feeling of being a part of a company was so, so amazing. The friends you pick up on every job is one of the most amazing perks. I still see them all occasionally and we reminisce. We did a cast recording just after it closed, and we’re hoping that one day we’ll finally get to hear it. Nick Barstow arranged and orchestrated it so cleverly and stunningly. It was such a great score.

We understand you’ve also filmed for TV and films, can you say about some of your screen projects and how different do you find these to stage work?

Yes!! And, to be honest, I’ve fallen a bit in love with it. It’s odd because in ways it is so very different to stage, but I actually find myself using some of the same techniques and processes when prepping a character for screen. I’ve been lucky to this year film some amazing new (secret!) projects for various streamers and broadcasters, and on each job I’d take my grey notebook and write everything and anything I’d learn in it. I’d ask the actors around me how they approach things and their thoughts, what books they’d read that had helped. And then on my 5am pickup the weeks I was filming in London, I’d listen to podcasts with actors like Andrew Scott, Matthew Macfadyen, Judi Dench and just absorb everything. I find it so fascinating. I think what I’ve definitely learned is that it’s important not to set anything in stone and be completely open to respond to whatever the other actor brings. On stage you have weeks to rehearse and craft with the cast , on screen you just turn up and do it on the day, so being prepared enough to know your character and objectives, but ready to respond to whatever the opposite actor brings and for the director to ask you to do it completely differently! In January, I got to work on a show that was literally my childhood, I still pinch myself thinking about it! But just staying open, imaginative and responsive is what I’m always striving for in work.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

I always sang as a kid, and loved music and watching acting, but I caught the bug properly at around 10 when my incredible and inspiring mum persuaded me to join the local amateur dramatics society in Llangollen. From that moment it has pretty much been my whole life. I regularly reminisce about my Mondays where for years I’d finish school, go straight to rehearsals for the school show, then walk down into town, sit in the library for an hour, then go to rehearsals for the next show. I lived and breathed it. And I knew it was what I was going to do. It wasn’t even a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t at least try. My mum used to drive me up and down the country when I joined the National Youth Music Theatre, which really provided a first glimpse into working professionally. The joy and thrill I got still exists today, I could literally talk about it for hours. And oddly, all of the people that cast doubt on whether I’d actually be able to do it only fed the fire.

What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your free time?

Sondheim was my first time realising the extent of meaning theatre writing can have. He really is a once in a lifetime talent. The day I auditioned for drama school, I saw Marianne Elliott’s production of Company, and three weeks later I called in sick to school and travelled up to London literally to see it one more time. I was captivated. Standing at the Sky’s Edge was the first time I completely wept at a show. I saw it four times. I’ve seen a lot more plays this year and was blown away by both Dear England and The Motive and the Cue. Theatre is just the best.

In terms of free time, I love exercise and fresh air. Autumn is my favourite season so I’m currently in my layers element. So many jumpers. But I adore baking and cooking, listening to podcasts, and I always have my digital radio on with either Radio 2 or Classic FM playing. I’m still on a bit of a journey with truly allowing myself to relax and switch off, but an evening in with a movie and snacks is the key to my heart. I’ve started watching Succession and I am HOOKED!

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2025 brings for you?

I very boringly can’t actually talk about the projects coming up, but it’s going to be quite special indeed. All I’ll say is keep an eye on the old telly box from March onwards next year and there’s some cracking stuff coming up. All of which wouldn’t have been possible without my agents Jill, Dilly and Nieve, who have pretty much changed my life this year! But I’m hoping that 2025 brings me more peace and self love and happy memories. That would be lovely. Also, a holiday would be nice.

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