An Interview with Marcus Hercules
Marcus Hercules is an accomplished Actor, Director, Writer and Workshop Leader, with many years of professional experience within film, theatre and television. Marcus has created, written and performed his one man shows Different Perspectives, Rasta Liv and Prison Game. He has also appeared in TV shows Holby City, Coronation Street, Brookside, Doctors, Casualty and Northern Lights.
Marcus plays the role of ‘Grandad’ in Grandad Anansi, an uplifting tale of love, courage and letting go for ages 4-9s. that tours throughout October 2022 celebrating Black History Month.
In this interview, Marcus reveals more about the show, why he identifies with the character of Grandad, hearing the Anansi stories growing up, and his Caribbean history.
Grandad Anansi is coming to Chester Lane Library on Saturday 15th October. Book your tickets here
1. What does the production Grandad Anansi say to you?
The show Grandad Anansi really speaks to me. I hear clearly the voice of a person who left their homeland, and came here to make a new home - but they have reached a stage in their life where they do not feel fulfilled. Grandad has a strong sense that something is missing, that it's time for a change and he is no longer satisfied with his life. He has lost his wife, who gave him a sense of belonging, and now he is alone with his thoughts. He wants to go back to Jamaica. He misses the food, the community and the beaches.
It's a familiar tale within the Jamaican community and one that I have seen played out many times.
2. Do you identify with the character of Grandad?
Yes I do! I have always been an old soul and I very much enjoy playing this character. I can feel his pulse and I think writer Elayne Ogbeta could tell that when she first saw me try out the role.
Jamaicans are fun, playful, loving, and caring. I tapped into these things to bring Grandad to life.
My mum is a member of the Twelve Tribes of Israel (Rastafari religion) and I grew up as a rasta. At our meetings, people would get up and give testimonies, telling the stories of their lives. I heard some amazing speakers and singers at these meetings, some of whom helped me to shape Grandad's mannerisms. Many might have been seen as rebels or outcasts. All had amazingly strong characters and personalities.
3. Did you grow up listening to Anansi stories?
My mum didn't bring me up on Anansi stories, but I certainly heard them in the community and at school in Manchester. I know my mum had them told to her as a child.
My own children are 15,12 and three. Storytelling has been an important part of their childhood, with me sometimes reading from books and other times making up stories out of my head. Storytelling is vital for teaching life lessons.
4. Tell us about your own connection to Jamaica
My mum is from Jamaica and I have visited twice, once as a child and once in recent years.
I like it as a place, but understanding what I do about Caribbean history, I feel a stronger connection to Africa.
My family all moved to the UK, so everyone I know is here.
I was born in Bradford and moved to Leeds as a baby. When I was five, I moved to Manchester, originally living in Moss Side. I now live in central Manchester.
When Grandad tells his stories throughout the show, he paints Jamaica as a little paradise. The show has made me think it may soon be time for another visit!
5. How did you get started in acting?
My aunty ran children's activity groups at our Rasta HQ (religious meeting place) in Manchester. I was involved from the age of about five and we used to travel to other HQs in Birmingham and London to perform. My aunty saw something in me from a very young age and encouraged me. I took part in my first proper production at Nia Centre in Hulme when I was 16 and soon after saw my first professional show there. I really enjoyed drama lessons at St Thomas Aquinas School in Chorlton (now called Loreto High School).
After school I did an HND in media and performance and was regularly attending castings during my final year. I landed my first TV job in Holby City a year later. Since then I have appeared in TV shows including Coronation Street, Casualty, Brookside and Shameless and appeared on stage at theatres including The Lowry, HOME, Contact and the Royal Exchange. I set up my own company Hercules Productions and I now write and direct as well as acting. I have also run workshops in prisons and am now starting to release my own music.
6. What do you hope audiences will take from the show?
Grandad Anasi is about the power of love. It is about the bonds between young and old. The vibe between generations can be really special.
Caribbean culture fosters a strong bond between elders and young people. The elders teach the younger generations, who in turn, look after them when they are no longer able to take care of themselves. I think older people are very much more visible within Caribbean communities and families.