JOHN PARTRIDGE
John will be playing the role of the exuberant judge Azdak, arbiter of chaos and chance, in The Doncastrian Chalk Circle. Perhaps best known for his role as Christian Clarke in EastEnders between 2008 and 2012 and as winner of the 2018 series of Celebrity MasterChef, John has had an incredibly varied career so far. From joining the touring cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats in 1988 (and going on to appear as Rum Tum Tugger in the official film production), to being a judge on the TV talent series Over the Rainbow, starring in theatre productions across the UK, and now as author of his own cookbook, There's No Taste Like Home!
“What is the purpose of art? To inspire, amaze, provoke or disrupt? To teach or to question? To show what the human spirit and body can both create and endure? To build connections and find greater understanding through storytelling is a powerful tool. It’s one I have used throughout my life in order to make sense of both the beautiful and sometimes painful situations I have inevitably found myself in. As an actor you are by definition part of a company a community. That sense of belonging and purpose is without question part of who I am, it’s my identity, my art.
Therefore, being a part of this community here at CAST is life affirming. So, in the words of Azdak: bring me wine and let’s get started!”
