Exploring Victor Alli’s formative years and acting debut, his passion for music, and his anticipated role as John Stirling in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
British actor Victor Alli is set to star as the charismatic John Stirling in the new season of Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, captivating a global audience with his dynamic presence. Fresh from his mesmerizing role in The Glass Menagerie at London’s Duke of York Theatre opposite Amy Adams, Victor’s burgeoning career also includes pivotal roles in Showtime’s The Man Who Fell To Earth, Disney’s Andor, and Peacock’s Last Light, as well as film appearances in Death on the Nile and the critically acclaimed Belfast. His ascent in the acting world is as much a tale of serendipity as it is of skill. Victor’s career trajectory is dotted with fortuitous moments. Victor has carved out a distinctive niche in both film and television.
In an exclusive conversation with Flanelle Magazine, Victor unveils the layers of preparation and creative exploration that went into embodying his character in Bridgerton, a role that requires a delicate balance of fidelity to the source material and a fresh, personal interpretation. He also reflects on the unexpected turns in his career that have led him to major roles in film and television, discussing how these experiences have shaped his approach to acting and his views on the industry’s evolution.
Flanelle : Welcome, Victor! Can you kick things off by sharing a bit about yourself beyond the screen and stage? Tell us about how you came to want to act.
I was born in East London and have an older brother and a younger sister – I was the middle child aka the mischievous one. We were all pretty creative growing up and our parents championed us to do what we loved. My brother played football and was also a graphic designer, my sister was a singer, and I was the actor/musician. I sort of fell into acting, it was never on my radar.
What were you like as a kid, and how did those early years nudge you towards acting?
Growing up as a child, I was quite ambitious really early on and I loved music. I actually play the drums, guitar, the piano and a bit of bass. I was sure that I was gonna be a musician but when I went to secondary school my passions slightly changed. As I’ve said, I was known to be mischievous growing up and obviously had many detentions at school. But in this particular detention, the teacher who was conducting it, was also directing a play, so I obviously had to watch it, and as luck would have it, the lead actor didn’t show up so she hands me the script and asked if I’d do it and the rest is history.
What is it about acting that you love the most?
This is probably a cliché but getting to tell stories with a bunch of incredible people.
Bridgerton’s return is highly anticipated. What excited you the most about joining this iconic series?
I mean… it’s Bridgerton! I was most excited to step into a world that is so different from anything I’ve seen on TV; the diversity, the story – I’m buzzing just thinking about it all!
How do you prepare for a role that’s already beloved by so many fans?
It was quite daunting at first as, of course, you want to do a good job and John’s already a much-loved character from the books so readers will know his story. I read the books to get a sense of who he was and the journey he went on, which was really helpful to get into the mindset of John. I spoke a lot with Jess Brownell (the showrunner) and whilst on set you make creative choices, trust your work and subconsciously you become the character.
Reflecting on the characters you’ve portrayed, is there a particular role that challenged you the most, emotionally or physically? What did it teach you?
I played Jim O’Conner alongside Amy Adams in [Jeremy Herrin’s production of] ‘The Glass Menagerie’ on the West End and I loved this character. He was a man, who, at first glance, seemed to have it all together but deep down he was just as broken as the people around him. Although, he was extremely good at masking it. He was lonely but also larger than life and a former high school hero who swept the girls off their feet. He was a dreamer and what I took away from playing him is that sometimes wanting to relive the past can affect the people close to you. Always look ahead – to the future.
You’ve worked alongside some incredible talents across different mediums. Our Editor-In-Chief, Sarah-Eve, has a true sweet spot for Andor. How was it working in such a masterpiece of a show?
Oh, it was the best. It was such an incredible world they created. My first time on set we were in this massive spaceship shooting the rehearsal of a scene and when director shouts “Cut!”, a Storm Trooper casually walks past. I felt like a kid and couldn’t quite believe it all. It was so much fun!
Acting often involves tapping into personal experiences. Can you share a moment or role that felt particularly close to your own life story or emotions?
I recently filmed a show which hasn’t been announced yet and this particular character I play wanted to turn his life around and make himself proud. He had many setbacks, with people around him wanting to influence him negatively, and he yearned to recreate himself and forge a new path. The emotions I felt playing him were certainly reminiscent of my earlier years growing up, going to secondary school. I never quite fit into the different cliques but yet I didn’t feel despondent or rejected.
The industry is evolving, with streaming platforms like Netflix leading the change. How do you see your career path adapting to the landscape of modern storytelling?
I hope to be able to lend myself to the many forms of storytelling. Whether it be through film or theatre, I want to be able to have the flexibility and adaptability to share stories through these different mediums.
Looking ahead, is there a dream role or project you aspire to tackle? What draws you to it, and what would you hope to bring to the character?
I’d love to do an indie – something with an incredible story as well as strong characters. Or a thriller – something quite dramatic and tense. If I do get to work on said indie or thriller project, I think it would be about making strong choices, following your instincts and trying something new while not worrying about making mistakes.
Creativity often demands a lot from an individual. How do you nurture your creative spirit, and what do you do to recharge when the well runs dry?
Other than acting, I have loads of other interests, such as music – jazz in particular. At least once a month, you can find me in Ronnie Scott’s, sipping a Negroni and listening to the sweet, sweet tones of a jazz band. I also love art. I recently went to see Frank Auerbach’s: charcoal portraits at The Courtauld Gallery. It was incredibly, brutally, shockingly beautiful. Or sometimes I just hop on my bike and cycle through London taking in the people and architecture. My Dad was an architect and I think that sort of rubbed off on me. Buildings, structures, edifices – I do enjoy them.
What can we expect from you in the future?
The future looks exciting. Hopefully, I get to work with more incredible people telling really cool stories, you know, the good stuff!
From detention halls to London’s West End, Victor Alli’s path in the performing arts is marked by both planned pursuits and unexpected turns. His diverse roles have not only showcased his versatility but also his ability to connect with a wide audience. As he steps into his new role in Bridgerton, Alli continues to shape a career that spans genres and mediums, reflecting his adaptability and commitment to his craft. Off-screen, he recharges by immersing himself in music, art, and the architectural beauty of London, staying connected to his creative roots. Looking forward, we are eager to view and support his new promising and compelling performances to come!
You can find Victor Alli on his Instagram
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Photo Credits :
Photographer: David Reiss
Styling: Sarah-Rose Harrison
Grooming: Chad Maxwell
Exclusive on flanellemag.com
