A story of rediscovery, imagination and reminiscing — Boy Beatle is performing at the Great Canadian theatre Company (GCTC) from April 10-13. This solo act, performed by Richard Sheridan Willis, is not only poignant, with a little dark humour added for good measure.
In an interview with Apt613, Willis tells us more about this story, and about tapping into your inner child.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Poster for Boy Beatle. Photo provided.
Apt613: Could you introduce yourself and what your role has been in the theatre community?
Richard Sheridan Willis: I’m Richard Sheridan Willis, a theatre artist. I originally performed as Richard Willis, but when I moved from the UK to New York, I added my middle name to avoid confusion with another American actor who shared my name. I have been a professional actor for 53 years, working as an actor, director, acting coach, and writer.
From 2017 to 2023, I was the Artistic Director of the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival. I continue to live in Prescott and now work as an Ottawa-based actor. Last year, I had a leading role in the Hallmark Christmas movie My Sweet Austrian Holiday, filmed in Ottawa.
In Boy Beatle, I play multiple characters, primarily Robin—a man who has lost his way—and his therapist, Faith.
Apt613: Could you talk a little more about this story and what audiences can expect?
Screenshot from Boy Beatle trailer.
RSW: Boy Beatle is the story of Robin, a man who, as a child, dreamed of being part of his favourite band—The Beatles—hence the title. But now, in middle age, life hasn’t gone the way he hoped. Setbacks and disappointments have left him anxious, and the music that once brought him so much joy—the career he always thought he’d have—feels out of reach.
In an effort to get back on track, he checks himself into The Haven, a mental health assessment facility. But for Robin, it becomes something else entirely: a strange and whimsical refuge filled with colourful characters, like James, who’s convinced he’s the next James Bond, and Andrew, who spends his days saving imaginary damsels from perilous submarines.
With the help of his therapist, Faith, Robin embarks on a fantastical journey through his own past, searching for the root of his anxiety and a way to reclaim the harmony and hope he once had.
At its core, Boy Beatle is about finding your way back to yourself. While it touches on serious themes like mental health, it’s ultimately a story of resilience, rediscovery, and the enduring power of hope.
Screenshot from Boy Beatle trailer.
Apt613: What is it about performing solo that might show audiences a different perspective than watching a performance with a whole cast?
RSW: Performing a solo play is a totally different experience—for both me and the audience. A play with multiple actors is more like a film, where everything is presented to you. But a solo show asks the audience to engage their imagination in a way that’s more like reading a novel. You’re not just watching a story unfold—you’re actively picturing the world and the characters in your own way.
As a solo performer, I get to create an entire world on stage, shifting between different characters and perspectives right in front of you. It’s almost like sitting around a fire, listening to a storyteller bring a story to life.
In Boy Beatle, this creates a deeply personal and immersive experience. You’re stepping into Robin’s mind, moving through memories, imagination, and reality, where the lines between them blur. There’s an unspoken connection between me and the audience, a shared journey that feels powerful, intimate, and at times, even a little mysterious. It’s the mystery of that connection and the solo energy that I find the most thrilling—and I think the audience does too.
Screenshot from Boy Beatle trailer.
Apt613: You have performed in many cities around the world, and also have experience performing and working locally. What stands out to you about performing in Ottawa and the surrounding area?
RSW: At its core, there’s not a huge difference between performing locally and performing in other cities around the world—performing is performing. What stands out to me about Ottawa, though, is the strong support for theatre, especially independent theatre. Audiences here are deeply engaged and passionate about the work. But, fundamentally, if the production captures their interest, the reaction from the audience is the same, no matter where you are in the world.
Apt613: What about this performance are you most excited for audiences to see?
RSW: What excites me most about performing Boy Beatle is not so much what audiences will see, but what they will imagine and feel. When we performed Boy Beatle in Kingston, each audience member’s reaction was different. Some connected with Robin’s childhood memories, while others understood Robin’s inner struggles all too well. One actress even identified with Robin’s mother, who loses her nerve on stage and has to give up acting. I’m excited for audiences to experience that same personal connection, feel something unique, and let their imaginations engage with the story in their own way.
Screenshot from Boy Beatle trailer.
Apt613: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
RSW: I’d just add that the play’s message is really about hope, and I think that’s an important message to share, especially right now. I’d also love for people to come and see us—we’ve kept the ticket prices affordable on purpose because we want everyone to be able to experience this story. It’s a chance to step away from all the doom-scrolling and get lost in our imaginations for a couple of hours.
Theatre in Ottawa, and everywhere, could really use the support right now. So by coming out to see the show, you’re not only supporting independent theatre, but also sharing in the experience of coming together as a community. It’s a wonderful way to spend an evening or afternoon, connect with others, and hopefully leave feeling refreshed and uplifted.
Boy Beatle is performing at GCTC from April 10-13. For more information on the show, as well as purchasing tickets, head over to the GCTC website.
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