Having started his career at the age of 14 with the British Youth Music Theatre, this year, Jack Bence performed at Theatre503 in London, when he played Steven – the boyfriend of lead character Agatha – in the show Bungalow. Jack is probably best-known for being in the cast across all three series of the original run of comedy Bad Education, playing Frank Grayson opposite fellow cast members including Jack Whitehall (Alfie Wickers), Charlie Wernham (Mitchell Harper), Jack Binstead (Leslie ‘Rem Dogg’ Remmington) and Ethan Lawrence (Joe Poulter), and he reprised his role in 2022 for the Bad Education Reunion Special. This year, Jack was in an episode of Unforgotten as Mark, and he has previously played DC Winter in Mrs Sidhu Investigates, had guest roles a number of times for EastEnders, and towards the start of his acting career, he was in episodes of Peep Show and Sherlock. With an extensive screen career, amongst his credits, Jack has worked on two Steve McQueen projects – Apple TV+ historical war drama film Blitz and anthology film series Small Axe. Speaking with Jack, he told us about his recent theatre show Bungalow, playing Frank Grayson in comedy series Bad Education and working on two Steve McQueen projects.

You have recently been performing on stage in Bungalow at Theatre503 in London, can you tell us about the show and your character Steven?

Bungalow was a very heavy piece. It was centred around an Anglo-Indian family and abuse that took place within that family. It explored how people can struggle to cope with their past whilst coming to terms with bereavement.

I played Steven, who was the boyfriend of the lead character Agatha. He was the light relief and had an innocence about him. He was thoroughly unprepared for the trauma he was going to witness.

As heavy as it was, there was also some wonderfully-written comedy in it.

What did you enjoy most about returning to theatre work?

Being in front of a live audience is just magical. Hearing them laugh at certain points or shift awkwardly during tense moments. There’s nothing quite like being in front of a live crowd.

In this year’s series of Unforgotten, you filmed for an episode as Mark, what was the show like to be part of?

I really enjoyed it. The set was a well-oiled unit and it was a great experience. However… during a chase scene I had to burst out of a back door but I didn’t realise there was a step and I proper stacked it (my poor attempt to style it out into a ninja roll did not particularly work). It will probably be on a blooper reel somewhere.

How was it playing DC Winter in Mrs Sidhu Investigates?

Really fun. I met some cool people on that job and was given the freedom to creatively play around. We filmed at some wild locations. One day we were in a mansion that looked like it could’ve been owned by Jeff Bezos.

You’ve been involved with EastEnders numerous times over the years, most recently in 2023 guest-starring as Greg, how do you find the experience filming for a hugely-popular long-running soap?

EastEnders is a mad job because you work so quickly. You rarely get time for multiple takes and you have to hit the ground running. Luckily, I’ve got a bit of experience in that world so it didn’t throw me too much. I’ve got massive respect for anyone who’s on shows like that for any length of time because it’s a very different and intense way of working. I had a great experience though, and the cast were really welcoming.

What was it like working on two Steve McQueen projects – the Apple TV+ historical war drama film Blitz and the anthology film series Small Axe?

Steve McQueen just bleeds art. The man is a stoic powerhouse who has high expectations and it makes you want to go to war for him. I learnt so much from him and his team. Working shoulder to shoulder with Steve and John Boyega on Small Axe and telling such an important story is something I will always remember.

Across all three series of the original run of Bad Education, you played Frank Grayson; how would you describe Grayson and what was it like developing the character over the years?

God, that boy was angry and he just would not stop stealing things. I’d describe him as a not so lovable git with a rubbish neck tattoo.

Grayson’s probably the character I’m most known for and I’m appreciative of the opportunities it’s given me.

What are some of your stand-out memories from your time playing Grayson and did you have any favourite scenes to film?

The Christmas Special was fun. Frank got cast as the lead in the Christmas school play and during the episode you got to see a little glimmer into why he was the way he was.

In 2022, you reprised your role for the Bad Education Reunion Special, what was it like returning to the character and reuniting with the rest of the cast?

Yeah, they cut most of my stuff which was a bit lame, LOL. But I had a feeling they might. In my opinion, Grayson never particularly felt like a priority to those in charge, but that’s fine. I made my peace with it.

I hadn’t seen some of the guys for years so it was nice to catch up and also meet the new class.

Towards the start of your acting career, you filmed for episodes of shows such as Holby City, Peep Show, Misfits and Sherlock, what are some of your favourite highlights from your further screen career?

Getting sat on by David Mitchell for the best part of an hour during Peep Show filming was quite a highlight. He was hilarious and had exceptional hip control. I remember being on the lunch bus with David and Robert (Webb), and the writers, Sam (Bain) and Jesse (Armstrong) joined us. It was hilarious. Felt like we laughed for the whole hour. I remember feeling so blessed. It was an experience money couldn’t buy.

Working with Martin Freeman and Benedict Cumberbatch on Sherlock was insaaaaaaane. Both truly phenomenal actors with completely different styles. They were a class act and very welcoming.

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

I always knew I wanted to be a performer. My parents were both in the industry. I was more of a dancer originally. I started with the British Youth Music Theatre when I was 14 (I’m now alumni for them and have directed a few of their productions). At 16, I got spotted by my first agent. He set me up for a trial audition. I got the job and he signed me up. I was very fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.

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

I was a massive Rocky fan growing up. I’ve seen all of those films at least 50 times. That’s my go-to. Sly Stallone is one of my heroes. I think he’s a fantastic writer and a very underrated actor.

Others that immediately spring to mind: Forrest Gump, Snatch, The Lobster, Fight Club and anything by Tarantino.

Currently I’m re-watching Stath Lets Flats, which Is ridiculously funny. I’d love to work with the Demetrious.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I enjoy cooking and try to keep reasonably fit (though it’s difficult because the pub is more fun). I play 5-aside and go to the gym. I used to do a lot of boxing training though I haven’t done that for a while. I’m also a bit of a UK battlerap and pro-wrestling nerd. My WrestleMania parties were the stuff of spandex legend. Other than that, I just generally bimble around and try not to fall into the river too often.

Have you got any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping this year brings for your career?

Hopefully this year continues to bring nice, fulfilling work. It’s been a good start to the year so far and I’m very blessed with where my career’s at. I’m back taping for jobs so we will see what the future holds. I’ve just finished a day on an ITV drama called The Lady.

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