Interview: Adam Bregman, Chariots of Fire

Adapted for the stage by Mike Bartlett and based on an extraordinary true story, Chariots of Fire heads to the Sheffield Crucible from 6 - 27 July. This heart-pounding new production is set to a soaring musical score and centres on two men who yearn for the simplicity of the track as they battle for their faiths and nation. We had a chat with Adam Bregman who plays Harold Abrahams in the production to find out more.

How have you prepared to take on the iconic role of Harold Abrahams, the son of a Lithuanian Jewish immigrant who overcame prejudice to compete at the 1924 Paris Olympics?

I think, when playing real people, it's so important to do your research. But when it comes down to it, people are people, and whatever timeframe they live in, they respond as humans would, it's only the context that can have an effect on that. I've mainly focused on the feelings that he would have been experiencing; a sense of being ostracized, the sense of isolation, people not being able to understand his situation, and the feeling of being othered.

The original 1981 film is beloved by many. What can audiences expect from this new stage adaptation by Mike Bartlett?

I would say while the film was seminal for its time, what Mike Bartlett has done in the play is managed to dive deeper into the characters in a way that the film doesn't have the time or the license to do - in a way that only theatre can do. So expect richer and more fully formed characters in this version of the show.

The production is directed by Robert Hastie in his final show as Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres. Can you share any insights into his vision for this production?

I would say a vision that Rob really stands by, is he wants to put on shows that can only be done at The Crucible. The stage is so integral to the storytelling, the actual geometry of the stage, the way people come in and out. You couldn't take this production and transfer it into another theatre with ease. So much of the storytelling is based on the space which I think is a beautiful, beautiful experience as an actor.

What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Chariots of Fire at the Crucible?

 I'd say if you're a fan of theatre, if you're a fan of sport, or anything in between, Chariots of Fire is the show to come to. Thank you very much.

Chariots of Fire is at Sheffield Theatres from 6 - 27 July