Lewis Allcock
Actor
Wooden Overcoats (2015-2022)
Roles
“Guest actor, playing Mr. Askey In Season 4, Episode 2: Old School Funn.”
Bio
Lewis Allcock was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, and trained at East 15 Acting School.
Theatre work has included Sidney Fox's Crime (Margate Museum), Straight & Narrow (Above the Stag Theatre), The Good Scout (Surgeons' Hall, Edinburgh), Lord Dismiss Us (Above the Stag Theatre), Catnip (Arts Theatre London), La Ronde (Tristan Bates Theatre), Tristram Shandy: Gentleman (Tabard Theatre), Marlowe's Fate (White Bear Theatre) and The Merry Wives of Windsor (Dell Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon).
Screen work includes feature films Alice, Through the Looking and Gholam, and short films Hawker, Evil's Evil Cousin, The Turn and Skeletons. Other work includes the audio comedy series Wooden Overcoats, voice overs for B&Q, Ladbible, British Dental Association and e-Receptionist and commercials for the BBC, Breville UK, The Children's Society and Relate.
He was nominated as 'Best Actor' for the short film One Year Later at the Unrestricted View Film Festival in 2018, and 'Best Supporting Actor' for Alice, Through the Looking at the Fusion International Film Festival in 2022.
“…it all started with being called in to do one scene…”
How did you become aware of Wooden Overcoats?
“I became aware of it gradually, whilst working on other audio projects - most of which were self-created with other actors with whom I went to drama school. Wooden Overcoats was an example of an independently produced podcast building a loyal and growing fanbase, and reaching the attention of mainstream media, a brilliant example of just what could be achieved.
Alerted to the fact that the team were casting roles in the fourth and final season, I sent in an application following instructions laid out on their social media profiles. Invited to audition, I was delighted to join the team to play the overtly bullish P.E. master, Mr. Askey. I was also thrilled to be part of Wooden Overcoats: Live at Kings Place in London, the following year, reprising the same role, and covering other characters.”
What was your aim in getting involved?
“I wished to further my audio drama/audio comedy career by being part of this highly talented and popular team of creatives. And of course, to have fun!”
What was the biggest challenge?
“We had a lot to get through on the recording day, and it was the norm to record a couple of episodes each day. So, there was little room for error, as the schedule was tightly packed.
However, this challenge was offset by how welcoming and supportive the core team of actors and creatives was. Never before have I felt so welcomed by an established team. It was a hugely supportive working environment which enabled new cast members to operate at our best.”
How did you land the role? Any tips for a strong audio reel (or virtual audition)?
“The audition was conducted over Zoom, with director/producer Andy Goddard and lead actor Felix Trench (it was recorded and passed to the rest of the creative team as well).
It’s good to bring huge amounts of energy to virtual auditions. Being physical in your body and arms is a big part of audio drama, as there are no visuals to help tell the story. The more energy you can throw at it, the more it is evident you can give buckets of commitment in the recording studio.
Remember that it is always better to be reigned in, than needing to be pushed to do more.”
How does acting for audio compare to other media, for you? Any skills or techniques you’d recommend learning for it?
“I love studios, and feel very much at home there. You always have the script, so there’s no pressure to learn lines - but it is essential to be familiar with the text, in order to deliver the correct meanings and emotions in your performance.
It’s always worth remembering that energy does not always equate to volume. The mic is very close and treating it as a person you’re talking to/reacting to is important when it comes to finding the correct balance. If raised voices are required, taking a few steps back from the mic makes a massive difference.”
If your character was an occasional or guest part, how did you characterise them quickly and memorably?
“Aside from being mentioned verbally by other characters, my character had not actually been portrayed in Wooden Overcoats beforehand. The brief was an overbearing and extremely angry northern P.E. teacher. Having grown up in Blackburn, I had much real-life experience, and based my character on one or two I had experienced in the past.
It certainly brought back some terrifying memories, to say the least!”