Dominic Kay stars in upcoming film ‘Walk Like a Panther’
When Britain’s Dominic Kay first looks at a script, he doesn’t do so as an actor, he does so as a reader. He reads it as if it is a story, envisioning how it plays out in his mind rather than how he would act out each scene. By doing so, he identifies the relationships between the characters, and creates an idea of how to play his character without even trying. He discovers what their dominant traits are, and who they are in ways that aren’t necessarily written down on the pages. By reading the pages like a book rather than a script he will soon have to act out, he understands what is truly going on; he can see the conflict, climax, and conclusion of each scene. Then, when he begins to act, every move is instinctual and honest, because he has immersed himself in his character’s world already for his own enjoyment.
It is this strategy that has become Kay’s signature, and why he has such an esteemed career. This sought-after actor has graced both the big and small screen, and impressed audiences not just in the United Kingdom, but around the world. This work includes hit shows like Hollyoaks in the City and Coronation Street, and acclaimed films like Allies and White Settlers. Despite such success, however, Kay says the highlight of his career is with the upcoming film Walk Like a Panther.
“Being a part of this production was a real dream come true. I got to work with a brilliant ensemble cast who I have grown up watching on screen. Everything about this production was fantastic, the cast were tremendously talented and it was a real joy working with and learning from them. The crew was awesome, just a real nice bunch of hardworking professionals. The director is immensely talented and his decision making was pure genius,” said Kay.
Walk Like a Panther is a 20th Century Fox film that tells the comedic story of a group of 1980s wrestlers are forced to don the lycra once last time when their beloved local pub is threatened with closure. The film follows the wrestlers and their struggle trying to re-build the old gym. Local gangsters and even the town council all fail in their attempt to stop them. They put on one last show for their local town, which becomes legend.
“I had fond childhood memories of what the film was about. In the 80’s when I was a young nipper I used to go to watch live amateur wresting events. These were very popular and the wrestlers even more so,” said Kay.
Kay plays John, the burley builder. John is massive fan of some of the other characters in the film. He’s a really nice guy who bends over backwards to help everyone out. John is somewhat of a wrestling geek and grew up with his father travelling around watching these guys perform. However, he is definitely not one to be undermined, and has a serious side to him that comes out now and again. He always helps out when there’s a bit of trouble.
John is a pivotal character in the film, as he is in charge of restoring the gym to its former glory for the wrestlers to have their one last hoorah and put on a spectacle for the entire town to enjoy. Such a vital role needed a talented actor to portray it, and Kay was the obvious choice.
“This gave me the opportunity that I have been craving for in regard to working my ‘magic’ amongst such talented individuals and seeing where I am in comparison to them. It gives you such a sense of satisfaction when you manage to hold your own with these artists and deliver sold performances,” said Kay.
When Writer and Director of Walk Like a Panther, Dan Cadan, was looking for someone for the role of John, he was hoping to find an actor with a northern accent, ideally Yorkshire. Naturally, Kay, who hails from Burnley in Northern England, came to his attention and was called in for a meeting. When Kay and Cadan met, it was only a matter of minutes before they hit it off. Almost immediately it felt like a friendly catch-up rather than a meeting.
“I cast Dominic in the film to play the role of John. Dominic did a great job with his portrayal the character and held his own with some big names. He displayed impressive acting skills and was very instinctive. We were very pleased with his performance,” said Cadan.
This was Kay’s first comedic feature film, and definitely won’t be his last. Working on this project was a complete joy from start to finish. He always made sure to execute every scene perfectly, and even times when he had to stay late, he was having fun. Making decisions for his character was easy according to Kay, as the director was very confident in the actor. Once Kay had a base for his character, he made sure to constantly be listening and reacting to the other cast members, ensuring each scene was fluid and realistic. By doing this, he remained present at all times.
“I was in such esteem company so I always had to make sure I delivered and was on top form. It’s funny that there was some talent on set but not one drama or hissy fit by anyone, everyone just grafted from start to finish. I loved everything about working on this project really. The story was great for me as it was about something I used to go to see when I was a young boy. The script was great and brought the best out of everyone, especially me. The fun we had whilst shooting this was great, I’ve not really been on a project before that everyone enjoyed so much,” said Kay.
Despite loving every moment on set, Kay’s favorite part of shooting was when he wasn’t on set. The film was shot just a short distance from his family home, which allowed him to return to his greatest fans, his two young girls, every night. They are eager to watch their father in his newest role later this Spring.
“I think the story of the film is important as it epitomizes the struggles that hard working people can face in society whilst trying to do something that will benefit people. This story shows that people can come and stand together at the right time and defy the odds. It will touch people of all generations and set a good example as to if you really want something in life as long as you give your all, you have every chance of achieving it,” he concluded.
Walk like a Panther comes out March 9th, 2018. Be sure to check it out at a theatre near you.
