Krister Henriksson om sina Londonfans
Krister Henriksson, who is best know as Wallander in Henning Mankell’s widely praised Swedish TV series is making his West End debut in Doktor Glas, which transfers to London following its acclaimed run in Sweden.?Doktor Glas tells the story of a 19th century physician who falls madly in love with the beautiful young wife of a corrupt clergyman. When she confides in him that her marriage is making her miserable, he agrees to help in whatever way he can. Soon Doktor Glas finds himself torn between his passion and his morality, which drives the play towards it’s shocking climax.?The play is performed in it’s original Swedish, with English surtitles.
Has playing Wallander opened the doors for you internationally?
“Yes, definitely. No one outside of Sweden or perhaps the Scandinavian countries would know who I was if it wasn’t for Wallander. I have him to thank for my international recognition.”
Are you surprised to have so many fans in the UK?
“I find it strange, yet exciting. In Sweden I don’t really like it when I get recognised. I feel uncomfortable when strangers approach me on the streets of Stockholm. But when it happens in London I find it joyful. It’s surprising. I’ve visited London many times and until recently I’ve been anonymous. Now people come up and talk to me and they are always nice and pleasant.”
Why do you think Wallander and other Swedish crime dramas have become so popular in the UK??”There seems to be an appetite for Swedish and Scandinavian culture in the UK. I grew up on a small island off the coast of Sweden, and I think I understand the British mentality. They have always been a little bit isolated culturally and recently they discovered Scandinavia and they are pleasantly surprised. They have seen there is so much around them that they hadn’t noticed before”.
You’ve performed Doktor Glas for a long time in Sweden. How did performing it in London come about??”I received a letter from a British actress, Victoria Jeffrey, who had seen me do the play in Stockholm. She wrote that she thought it would work well in London. We met up, talked about it, and Victoria was a strong willed woman who took the matter into her own hands and contacted producers in London and made it happen. I have her to thank for being here!”
What do you like best about London??
“I love everything about London! I’ve spent a lot of time in London and I feel very much at home here. My favourite thing to do in London has always been, and will always be, the theatre. I have seen all the great British actors perform in the West End, and it still feels unreal to me that I’m now working on the London stage, in a Swedish drama. In Swedish! I very much look forward to it.”
Are you worried what the critics will say?
“Well, yes I am. But then again; not really. I’m going to enjoy myself. As far as I know I’m the first Scandinavian actor to perform a one man play in the West End. I’m not scared of making a fool out of myself. This opportunity was too good to pass on. It’s a dream come true for me.”
What’s next? What will you do when Doktor Glas finishes its London run?
“I’m planning a well deserved break. My wife and I are going to hire a car and drive to the South West of England. I look forward to exploring the wonderful countryside and the little fishing villages on the coast of Dorset and Devon”.
Text: Monika Agorelius (http://www.closeup-productions.com)
Published courtesy of TotallySwedish (http://www.totallySwedish.com)
‘Doktor Glas’ runs at the Wyndhams Theatre from April 16 to May 11, 2013.? Save10% on best available ticket to see Doktor Glas (normally £49.50 and £35) ?Call 0844 482 5120 and quote ‘TotallySwedish’ or book online at tickets.delfont-mackintosh.com/gateway.aspx
