It’s the evening before Gay Pride and thirty-something couple Nigel and Jamie celebrate their ten-year anniversary by inviting internet date Mark to share their bed for the night.

Mark’s desperate search for something more than a one-night stand in a world where romance is all but dead makes Jamie begin to question the stability of his relationship and whether he may have found himself looking for love in all the wrong places.

We caught up with the lovely Paul to find out more about casual sex, internet dating and Blowing Whistles!

What was it that first attracted you to the play?
I think it was the depth of the character that I was auditioning for. Jamie goes on such a big journey through the play and the audience get to see many sides to his personality – his vulnerabilities, his strengths, his humour and his fears. To play such a dynamic role is the ideal for any actor I think.

Tell us a little about your character.
Jamie is 32 and has been in a relationship with his partner Nigel for about ten years. They live together and have opened up their relationship. At the time of the play it’s Pride weekend and we see that the two men aren’t exactly on the same track. It’s a bit of a wake up moment for Jamie.

How similar are you to him?
There are definitely some parallels between Jamie and myself. I have found myself in relationships where you’re doing all you can to please the other person, only to discover that you’re not pleasing yourself and you’re unhappy. I’ve also been known to be a bit paranoid at times too!

“There’s been a few times where I’ve found myself drunk as a skunk on the dancefloor, kissing someone who would not normally be up my street!”

So, did you have you had to do lots of research on Gaydar for the play?
No I didn’t. Jamie is the one character in the play who doesn’t have a profile on Gaydar. So Pete Nettell (the director) gave the other two actors homework on Gaydar, but I was told not too.

As the opportunity for quick and easy hook-ups increases, is it a case of every man for himself, or is there still a place for a stable, monogamous relationship?
I think there is definitely still a place for stable, monogamous relationships. As long as it’s exactly what both people want and it’s based on absolute honesty.

So have you ever found yourself looking for love in all the wrong places?
There’s been a few times where I’ve found myself drunk as a skunk on the dancefloor, kissing someone who would not normally be up my street! Unfortunately alcohol seems to cloud my judgement – a case of the beer goggles I think!

The play questions whether a night of casual sex is really what the characters’ relationship needs? So, does casual sex help or hinder a relationship?
I think for some couples, opening up their relationship can completely work. It can bring excitement back to their sex life and make them value their partner even more. But for me, I can’t imagine ever wanting to share my partner with anyone. I guess I hope that I am enough for my partner, in every sense of the word, in the same way they are enough for me.

So are you in a relationship at the moment?
Yes I am.

"I can’t imagine ever wanting to share my partner with anyone. I guess I hope that I am enough for my partner, in every sense of the word.”

Sex – particularly in gay plays – is often used to get bums on seats. Does that bother you?
I don’t think it’s just in theatre. It’s in every aspect of life. Sex is used to advertise anything from chocolate to cars. It pushes peoples buttons and it’s part of human nature for it to provoke interest, so I understand why it’s done.

I think it can over simplify a play like Blowing Whistles. The play is about so much more than just sex and thankfully our producers chose to market the show as more of a comedy.

Do you have a problem with taking your clothes off on stage?
I’m not quite as comfortable as I used to be. Now I’m in my 30s things have started to go a bit soft focus. I’ve put on about 20lbs since I last took my clothes off on stage so I’m feeling a bit more self conscious than I have in the past!

So what's the least favourite feature of your body?
My legs! Yuk. They look like they’re made of stilton. White veiny and bald!

I love the poster for Blowing Whistles. What was the photo shoot like?
A bit surreal. I was in a room of about fifteen people I’d never met before and I had to take my top off and get tied up with various items from PC World. Not exactly a normal day. But it was fun.

Do you find sexy photo shoots where you’re not wearing very much easy or embarrassing?
Definitely embarrassing, as you’re the only one who’s in the buff. You initially feel very exposed and self conscious.

What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve been asked to do?
Perform as the title role in a musical of The Elephant Man - and no, it wasn’t a comedy!

Do you secretly want mass adulation?
I don’t think so. I’ve got a couple of friends in that position and it can be so intrusive. I love being able to jump on the tube and zip around London - when they’re working properly. Mass adulation can bring some great opportunities and that’s something I long for.

“I’ve put on about 20lbs since I last took my clothes off so I’m feeling a bit more self conscious than I have in the past!”

Have you ever been on a march blowing a whistle?
I went on the anti-war march through London in 2003. I didn’t have a whistle to blow though, but I’m not sure it would have been appropriate anyway.

And finally, what’s next for you? Can we expect to see you play gay in the future?
The great unknown. I’ve no idea what’s next. I’d love to keep things as varied as possible. I’d like to play gay, straight or bi, as long as it’s challenging!

Blowing Whistles, by Matthew Todd
Leicester Square Theatre
5 Leicester Place
London, WC2H 7BP
0844 847 2475 / www.ticketweb.co.uk

23 October–29 November 2008

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