Simon Is A Real Trooper

A young actor from Liverpool has had his first big break in TV and now he’s helping Wirral teenagers follow in his footsteps

SIMON Lennon says he always considered being an actor as job for a ‘doss.’ For those unversed in the terminology of the young, that means it would appeal to someone not entirely devoted to hard work.

It’s a popular view, no doubt. ‘But the one thing I’ve learned in the last few years is that this is not an easy ride,’ says the 23-year-old, who is making a name for himself in the BBC One military drama, Our Girl. ‘You won’t get on if you are frightened of hard work.’

It’s also seen as one trade where having the correct old school tie is an effective route to the top. ‘There is a definitely a class system in acting,’ says the Merseysider. ‘But the great thing about the National Youth Theatre is that it’s not London-centric and you never have to hide or be ashamed of your accent. They are more interested in energising your talents.’

Simon has plenty of experience with the NYT but acting wasn’t an obvious career path for him. ‘Growing up I became interest in the theatre but, to be honest, I didn’t know much about it or how to get involved,’ he adds. ‘Then I heard about the Lamont Drama School in Formby and that was where I got my first taste.’