Who is Alex Hill?
I’m a 24-year-old actor and writer from a little place called Egham, just outside of London.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I’m really happy to be doing what I’m doing now to be honest! Of course, as someone working in the arts, it would be lovely to have a full diary across the entire year but to be bringing a play that started off as a tiny little idea on a boozy day out in London all the way around the world to Adelaide has made me very happy!
Who inspires you and why?
Lots of different people for lots of different reasons. I’m constantly finding new artists and people that I find inspiring. I think my first drama teacher Mrs Windsor inspires me a lot. She was the first person that really made me interested in theatre and turned my head onto the idea of being able to work within that world. I have a lot to thank her for. Teachers are great!
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think the power of storytelling should never be underestimated. We recently had some performances in the UK where we were able to partner with two mental health charities (It Takes Balls and NHS Talking Therapies) for a post-show Q&A. It was a massive privilege for us to be able to spread even a little bit of awareness on some of the themes that have emerged from the play. I think by continuing to write and to perform stories, I’m able to make a tiny difference and that feels great.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My favourite place to go on holiday is actually Australia! My brother lives in Perth, and I’ve visited a few times now. The weather is always incredible, the beaches are insane, and the people are super friendly. I’m looking forward to visiting Adelaide and seeing more of your amazing country… although this isn’t technically a holiday… is it?
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I would take them to a Brentford game. It’s the best place in the world to be in that stadium. There are some amazing pubs to have a beer in before the match and 90% of our games are incredibly entertaining. I just have to hope that I don’t take them to one of the other 10% of matches…
What are you currently reading?
I’m reading a book called Smart Money: The Fall & Rise of Brentford FC by Alex Duff. It’s an incredible insight to the club that I’ve followed and it’s all about the hardships and the journey to being a sustainable Premier League side. There are lots of fascinating people who pulled together to save and support Brentford over the past few decades, and I keep drawing a lot from them for characters in new projects that I’m working on.
What are you currently listening to?
A whole lot of Bob Dylan. I was kind of familiar with his stuff before but then I saw the new biopic A Complete Unknown and I’ve fallen in love. I can’t get him out of my ears at the moment!
Happiness is?
The local pub quiz on a Wednesday night. And the cinema. And the theatre. And Brentford. Not in any specific order!
What does the future hold for you?
No idea! The Adelaide Fringe run marks the last of our scheduled performances of Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England for now. I’m not sure whether it will return after that, but it’s been an incredible few years doing it. I’ve got new projects and new ideas that I’d love to bring to fruition so fingers crossed but you can’t ever be sure of what’s around the corner, especially in this industry!
Alex stars in the Australian premiere of Why I Stuck A Flare Up My Arse For England – which will be presented at the Holden Street Theatres, as part of the 2025 Adelaide Fringe, from 18 February – 23 March. For more information, visit: www.adelaidefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Alex Hill (supplied)