From Doctor Who to The Night House: Cassius Hackforth steps into the spotlight
Born in Massachusetts and raised in North Wales, Cassius Hackforth first discovered his love for performance when he sang Any Dream Will Do at a primary school concert. Captivated by the stage, he auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre aged 14 and won the title role in their UK tour of The Piper of Hamelin. He moved to London a few years later to complete the BA in Musical Theatre at Trinity Laban. During his studies, Cassius performed in a vibrant range of settings, including the conservatoire’s production of Merrily We Roll Along and the final of the Stephen Sondheim Society Performer of the Year awards. He has since dived into the world of film and TV, giving him the chance to explore a different side to the technicality of acting – a chance to bring a more paired back and naturalistic approach. Cassius is known for his commitment to character-driven storytelling and continues to build a growing body of work in the industry. We spoke to him about his career on stage and screen, as well as how he balances the different disciplines of musical theatre.
Tell us about your career journey so far.
I graduated in 2022, and since then have been lucky enough to work across the industry in film, TV, and theatre. I love my job so much and it is just so awesome to even have the chance to do it! Most recently, I’ve been filming the adaptation of Joe Nesbo’s novel The Night House, starring Aaron Paul, a new BBC Series Two Weeks in August playing series regular ‘Mickey’. I’ve also had roles in Doctor Who (BBC/Disney), Casualty (BBC), and The Death of Bunny Munro (Sky) released last year. I spent 2024 filming Noah Baumbach’s new Netflix movie Jay Kelly starring George Clooney and Adam Sandler, as well as playing the role of Nigel Bottom in the West End Premiere of Something Rotten at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. Back when I graduated in 2022, I got to be a part of the London revival of From Here to Eternity.
How do you strike the balance between training for singing, acting, and dancing in musical theatre?
In training, I threw myself at all three disciplines, which was definitely the right thing to do because it taught me my strengths and weaknesses. And for these first years since graduating, I’ve played more to my strengths (less dancing…), as I know where my casting and relevance lies. However, I’m now starting to try and do more stuff that scares me: dance classes and Shakespeare courses. Trying to improve on those things because you never know when they’re handy. But I think knowing where your authentic place lies is helpful, because that is what sets you apart and makes us all unique.
What advice would you give your young self?
Trust your gut. Be authentically yourself, let go of what you can’t control (this is an ongoing journey) and know you have to work hard but that success doesn’t define you. Life informs art!
If you could play any character in a production of your choice, which one would you pick?
I always struggle with this question! It’s ever-changing and to be honest, I just like to go with the flow and see what comes my way. However, right now, I’d love to do a play. Something gritty, truthful, and challenging, that plays away from my usual casting.
What was the best thing about your time at Trinity Laban?
My time at Trinity Laban was a joy. They truly looked after me there. The versatile teaching, the space they created for me to learn and progress, the industry advice, and also the support they gave me through my own personal battles with free therapy. The best way I can describe it was that I felt at home.