Equus star Ethan Kai says he knows West End audiences will be “shocked” by the nudity in the hit play — but insists the notorious naked scene is central to the show.
The former Emmerdale actor plays teenager Alan Strang, who is examined by a psychiatrist after blinding a group of horses.
The role was made famous by Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe in the 2007 revival of the play, by Peter Shaffer. That production made headlines around the world when Radcliffe appeared naked on stage. Kai said he knows the five-minute scene will still be a talking point.
He added: “I think living in Britain nudity isn’t something we’re particularly comfortable with so people will always have those kind of responses to it whether it’s awkward laughter or being shocked so people will talk about that and that’s fine. Ultimately I truly believe the nudity just has so much more to it and that moment of nudity is when you see Alan at his most vulnerable, a state he has tried to avoid getting into.”
The play, inspired by a true story, opens at the Trafalgar Studios tomorrow and Kai admitted he will be “nervous” ahead of his West End debut in such a physical role.
He said: “It can wire you a little bit as well and you go home and your heart is racing because it just gets you all hyped up. It’s definitely a super-intense role and I love that challenge.
“Sometimes you just know about a role. The first reading of it I was just so intrigued by the character and by the second reading I was convinced I wanted to be a part of it and play this character.”
Equus runs at Trafalgar Studios from July 6-September 7
