Berkshire


<p>It’s not every day a cult 90s rom-com gets a brand-new lease of life on stage &#8211; but <em><a href="https://millatsonning.com/Events/jack-and-sarah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack and Sarah</a></em> is doing just that, opening at the Mill at Sonning theatre on 23 April and running through to 14 June. Originally starring Richard E. Grant and Judi Dench, the story is as funny and heartfelt as ever, exploring love, grief and the fragile hope of new beginnings. We caught up with one of the stars of the show, Rufus Hound, ahead of the world premiere, who chats Sinatra warm-up rituals, onstage injuries and just the <em>small</em> matter of following in Ian McKellen’s footsteps. No pressure then.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound.jpg" alt="rufus hound interview actor comedian theatre" class="wp-image-88154" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-666x1000.jpg 666w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-266x400.jpg 266w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-768x1153.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-so-jack-and-sarah-what-can-people-expect-from-the-show">So, <em>Jack and Sarah</em> &#8211; what can people expect from the show?</h3>



<p><em>Jack and Sarah</em> is a really heartwarming tale that’s, in places, surprisingly dark. But there is no morning without night. So, while the show certainly touches on some dark moments like grief and loss, overall, I think people will come out feeling glad to be alive and aware of the beauty that can be found in other people. With theatre, it can never be the same as how it&#8217;s done in a film, so it will be different from the 90s movie, but in many respects, I think the show will be better.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-it-s-a-stage-world-premiere-too-is-there-any-pressure-that-comes-with-that">It&#8217;s a stage world premiere too! Is there any pressure that comes with that?</h3>



<p>I think there’s no more pressure with this than there is with any show, because simply as an artist, you always want to make whatever you’re in as good as it can possibly be. You definitely feel that responsibility to the paying audience. You know, we’re living in a cost-of-living crisis, so if you’ve put your hand in your pocket and you’re going to come out and see us, I want you to walk out thinking, “Blow me down with a feather &#8211; that’s the best thing I’ve ever seen.” And that would be true whether it was new writing or <em>Macbeth</em>. The slight thing that does creep in is when it’s an adaptation of a story people have seen before, like with <em>Jack and Sarah</em>. You’re aware you’re trying to displace somebody who’s already played the role famously.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ian-mckellen-played-william-in-the-film-that-s-big-shoes-to-fill-does-that-make-it-harder-to-put-your-own-spin-on-the-character">Ian McKellen played William in the film &#8211; that&#8217;s big shoes to fill! Does that make it harder to put your own spin on the character?</h3>



<p>Sadly, I am no Ian McKellen, so you are missing out on that treat (laughs). But rest assured, the other actors are superior in every conceivable way. It does make the job harder, because you’re aware there probably is some expectation. People might want a carbon copy or something completely different. So, the pressure is bringing a version that people are delighted that I took on as opposed to walking away and going, &#8220;well, he was no Ian McKellen.&#8221; Trust me, I knew that already. As an actor, what you’re trying to do is find the truth of the character, and if you start letting outside ideas influence you instead of the truth of the script, you’re in trouble.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-drew-you-to-the-character-of-william">What drew you to the character of William? </h3>



<p>As a 47-year-old man who’s had different careers and gone through a separation during the pandemic, I think I’m drawn to stories where people start in one state and earn the right to feel good about themselves again. To be able to look people in the eye, love, and feel loved. That&#8217;s what drew me to William.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="2052" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography.jpg" alt="jack and sarah mill at sonning rufus hound whats on at the mill at sonning theatre" class="wp-image-88159" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-585x800.jpg 585w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-731x1000.jpg 731w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-292x400.jpg 292w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-768x1051.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-1123x1536.jpg 1123w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-035_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-1497x2048.jpg 1497w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-mill-is-such-a-gorgeous-intimate-theatre-are-you-pumped-for-your-stint-here">The Mill is such a gorgeous, intimate theatre. Are you pumped for your stint here?</h3>



<p>I mean Sonning &#8211; what a beautiful spot! I&#8217;ve been around this neck of the woods before, and I&#8217;ve had lots of friends who&#8217;ve played at The Mill and have absolutely loved it. The reputation is that it&#8217;s a wonderful place to go and spend a season, so I&#8217;m definitely excited.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-do-you-have-any-unique-pre-show-rituals-or-methods-of-getting-into-character">Do you have any unique pre-show rituals or methods of getting into character?</h3>



<p>I normally belt out a fair bit of Sinatra in the dressing room to make sure the old pipes are nice and loose, even if I&#8217;m in a show where I&#8217;m not actually doing any singing. Then there&#8217;s the stereotypical tongue twisters to make sure I&#8217;m not going to trip over any words on stage. But other than that, more often than not, in my dressing room I&#8217;ve got a kettle and a big bag of Yorkshire gold. I try not to eat as trying to keep down a prawn madras on stage isn&#8217;t the one. So, my pre-match warm-up is largely to sit in my pants and socks until it&#8217;s 10 minutes to get ready, drinking a cup of tea, so I don&#8217;t spill it down myself, finish a crossword, and then get out there and knock it out.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-as-a-father-yourself-are-there-themes-in-the-show-that-particularly-resonate-with-you">As a father yourself, are there themes in the show that particularly resonate with you?</h3>



<p>Yes, definitely. The position Jack finds himself in early on is a tricky thing to read as an actor. The idea of expecting one joyful moment and it being replaced by something completely different is terrifying. It makes you want to hold people closer and reminds you life is a far more fragile thing than we want to believe it to be. When you first become a parent, you find yourself asking: who do I have to be for this kid? And then later: who do I have to be to keep their lives as stable as possible? Watching Jack struggle with that in this show feels very real, especially as somebody who themselves has had to navigate those things, and I think it will resonate with a lot of people.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-are-you-most-excited-for-with-this-production">What are you most excited for with this production?</h3>



<p>Personally? The joy of being me is that things come up that I’m not expecting. I’ve played a lead role in Paris, been a circus ringmaster, done magic shows, street dancing, stand up, all sorts. So, to now do a romantic comedy that’s sweet natured and charming &#8211; that’s new. It&#8217;s lovely and actually a really funny script, so I’m looking forward to that.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1065" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-028_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography.jpg" alt="jack and sarah mill at sonning" class="wp-image-88158" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-028_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-028_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-800x568.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-028_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-1000x710.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-028_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-400x284.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/berkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/04/rufus-hound-028_Jack-and-Sarah-Rehearsals_Pamela-Raith-Photography-768x545.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ever-had-any-on-stage-disasters">Ever had any on stage disasters?</h3>



<p>Fortunately, most of the tumbles I&#8217;ve taken are all ones that are scheduled to be there, and I try to make them look as dramatic as possible. There was one musical I was in when during the middle of a song and dance routine, my back totally went and my whole vision just turned white. I was totally blinded, but I had no idea how to call off a 16-piece orchestra. Muscle memory just took over, and despite the unbearable pain I kept going and got through to the end of the song. </p>



<p>When I got off stage, management came over and asked if I wanted to stop. I would have thought I&#8217;d say yes, but weirdly I told them I could still move. I quickly had some ice packs gaffer taped to my back and I carried on until the end of the show. It was literally like doctor theatre took over my body. Turns out it&#8217;s one of the best things to do when your back spasms &#8211; just keep moving &#8211; and that&#8217;s what I&#8217;ve done ever since. So basically, my message is, if you have a bad back all you need to do is go blind in a West End musical.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-s-your-bucket-list-dream-cast-that-you-d-love-to-share-the-stage-with">What&#8217;s your bucket list dream cast that you&#8217;d love to share the stage with?</h3>



<p>I don&#8217;t think there are any better actors than Ralph Fiennes. So, any chance I would have to work with him would be incredible. I&#8217;ve done some <em>Doctor Who</em> audio adventure recordings with Michelle Gomez as a kind of double act before which were brilliant. They were really well made, and we were briefly in a movie together for a couple of days. I thought her energy was incredible, so I&#8217;d love to work with Michelle Gomez again. Then lastly, I&#8217;ve just watched <em>Good Luck, Have Fun, Don&#8217;t Die</em> with Sam Rockwell. He&#8217;s just a god. So, they&#8217;d probably be my big three.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-you-hope-audiences-take-away-from-jack-and-sarah">What do you hope audiences take away from <em>Jack and Sarah</em>?</h3>



<p>I think <em>Jack and Sarah</em> is basically going to be the perfect date night. You come, maybe have a meal, sit with someone you love, and watch something that ends up being surprisingly deep and deeply romantic. By the time it ends, the feeling that everybody&#8217;s going to walk away with is: wasn&#8217;t that absolutely winningly, charmingly lovely.</p>



<p><strong><em>See Rufus Hound in&nbsp;<strong><em><a href="https://millatsonning.com/Events/jack-and-sarah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jack and Sarah</a> </em></strong>at The Mill at Sonning 23 Apr – 14 Jun. Get your&nbsp;<a href="https://millatsonning.com/Events/jack-and-sarah/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tickets</a>&nbsp;now.</em></strong></p>



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<ul>
<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/insider-guide-to-reading-things-to-do-berkshire/">The ultimate Muddy insider guide to Reading</a></li>



<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/uk/hotel-and-inns/great-house-sonning-berkshire/">Review: The Great House, Sonning</a></li>



<li><a href="https://berkshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/life/people/interview-local-windsor-author-claire-lynch/">Muddy meets award-winning local author Claire Lynch</a></li>
</ul>


Muddy meets actor, comedian, and star of the stage Rufus Hound

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