Friday Feature: Mr Bryant
22nd September 2023
What is your current position at King Edward's Witley, and how long have you worked here?
Hi, my name’s Paul. Back in 2013, I started teaching LAMDA at KESW with a fresh face and a full head of hair. Fast forward 10 years, I’m still loving my time here, still arriving with a fresh face but now with considerably less hair.
What is your background and where do you live now?
I trained as an actor at The Guildford School of Acting, graduating in 2002 with a First class honours degree in Acting. I then went on to work in Theatre, Film, TV and Radio with roles in Casualty, Dr Who and co-writing for the BAFTA winning 2016 film The Lighthouse. I now live in Chiddingfold with my partner Corrina and our two children, Luca and Mabel.
What's your favourite thing about working at King Edward's Witley?
Getting to know my pupils, watching them grow in their confidence and ability, and helping them to trust their own thoughts and ideas.
What's the funniest thing a pupil has ever said to you?
Whilst wearing my sunglasses, ‘You look like the emoji.’
What advice would you give to your teenage-self?
Take the opportunities that are given to you.
Make opportunities happen.
Let your voice be heard.
Don’t hide. Don’t be scared.
And stay away from the comfort zone!
What is a bucket list item you still have left to do?
To watch Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad in that order.
Which movie or book would you like to see turned into a play/musical?
‘Batteries not included’ would make a great musical. I’ve given it some thought, it could be the first musical that uses Drones for the main characters, just imagine the possibilities.
Who is someone you have always admired and why?
Juliet, from Romeo and Juliet. That character is amazing! The journey she goes on over the course of the play (3 days) is something else. I know it doesn’t end happily, but her strength, conviction, determination and progression is something to behold. We should all be a bit more Juliet.
What place, real or fictional, would you like to visit and why?
The Goon Docks from The Goonies. That place looks like it would be brilliant at Halloween.
