The New Murrey and Blue blog

With thanks to Ian Churchward.

From Ian’s Blog 15th March 2026

 

An interview with the actor Jack Anthony of Anthony-Hamilton Productions in which he tells about his Prince Richard of Shrewsbury film project. ( not to be confused with the USA actor of the same name who was born in California )

 

1. Please can you tell me a bit about your acting career and how you became an actor?

My acting career began at a very young age. I was brought up in my early years by my great grandmothers and grandparents, all of whom were creative in their own ways, and were all from warm and close working-class backgrounds. My mother had been a wonderful dancer, and my father was always artistic and creative and would always play with me, indulging in every imaginary fantasy. My maternal great grandmother would play the piano to me, and we would sing hymns together. We would also watch Norman Wisdom films on repeat and sing aloud together. At Christmas we would all gather and write short plays in the kitchen and perform for each other. Some of the best acting lessons I ever had were sitting in my grandad’s insurance office, where my grandfather, grandmother, uncle, aunt and mother all worked together. I would sit quietly and patiently and would observe them for hours. I would be fixed on them, how they interacted with the public and how they advised and supported them with their needs. Watching and imitating my family navigate their professional roles and how they communicated with the people of the town I grew up in.

My acting career began in 2009, when I was very young. My mother took me to an audition of Bugsy Malone at the Gatehouse Theatre. Each year they had a summer school which consisted of 2 weeks intensive rehearsal and one week of performances. I played the part of Leroy, and from that moment I was hooked on theatre. The level of quality at the summer schools was exceptional. We were treated as professionals, and we were pushed to learn the fundamentals of drama and performance. From 2009-2017 I was involved in the Stafford Gatehouse Summer School musical Theatre Productions. I am grateful to my family as they always pushed me and worked hard for me to be able to be involved in a wide variety of theatre groups. I was also involved in MYTS (Musical Youth Theatre Stafford) and SGYT (Stafford Gatehouse Youth Theatre). Between this period, I was doing on average 3 or 4 large scale shows a year in and around the Midlands. I then went on to train at the Birmingham Ormiston Academy (BOA) on the Acting course, from 2015-17. BOA is an extraordinary institution of learning, and it allowed me to excel in my learning and development. From 2017-2020 I studied at LSBU on the Acting for stage and screen course. I was taught by wonderful practitioners and teachers who are at the top of their fields. In 2023, I was accepted onto the National Youth Theatre Epic Stages course. Alongside my training I am always taking classes and workshops to develop further. In my career I have been involved in musical theatre, contemporary plays, classical theatre as well as short films. Over the years I have been involved in a variety of productions and have played some great characters. For example, a few of my favourites have been Romeo in ‘Romeo and Juliet’, Fenton in ‘The Merry Wives of Windsor’, Lysander in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, Joan in ‘Far Away’, Dan in ‘Closer’, Proteus in ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’, Pip in ‘Great Expectations’ and the Scarecrow in ‘Wizard of OZ’.  I have had the pleasure of performing in regional theatre, also Manchester, Birmingham, Cornwall and London. Acting for me has been an incredible outlet to connect with others, tell stories and to self-express in its purest form.

I would like to add that I appreciate every member of my family, all of whom have had a part to play in my creative start and instilled in me the magic of creativity and curiosity that I still try to maintain today. I am thankful for their sacrifice and ongoing support. The same goes to all of my teachers, coaches and mentors over the years.

 

2. Please can you tell me about your production company and how this was founded?

Anthony-Hamilton Productions was founded by my colleague Dylan Hamilton and myself in 2025, with the aim of making creative projects together for the screen. We both met in Student halls in 2019 when I was a 3rd year and Dylan was a 1st year undergraduate. I truly believe that it was meant to be. I remember that we talked for hours and bonded over our favourite films and works. Dylan and I would go to the cinema together often and would share career updates. Dylan is one of the most talented writers I have ever had the good fortune of knowing. Dylan would send me his screenplays for me to read; we would often take long walks along the South bank and throughout London or sit in the National Theatre and talk about our feedback. Our working relationship has always been one of mutual respect and admiration. We offer each other support and guidance whilst pushing each other to be the best we can be. Dylan and I wanted to come together, bringing our shared experiences to create and produce our own ideas. I am an actor at heart, but I understand we must take on a variety of roles to achieve our goals. Dylan and I are passionate about telling stories and to do that we must take on the DIY attitude, we write our own scripts and take on the roles of producers to make it happen. We have a long list of ideas that we would like to make happen and we have big plans for the future for AHP.

 

3. Please can you tell me about your new project called ‘The Pretender?

The seed of an idea for this project began in the winter of 2019, leading into the early stages of the infamous year of 2020. I was originally set to play the character of Henry V as part of my final third-year project at drama school. Unfortunately, the pandemic cut the process short. Confined to my London flat, I began to immerse myself in Shakespeare’s history plays and the historical context surrounding them. During my preparation for the role, I started researching both the character of Henry V and the wider historical period, and this research quickly developed into a deep fascination with the era and the figures who shaped it.

 

Throughout the Covid-19 lockdowns, my interest grew into something close to obsession. I explored the history of the Kings and Queens of England, particularly the Plantagenet era and the Wars of the Roses. In 2020, I knew very little about this period beyond broad generalisations drawn from Shakespeare’s plays. I watched every documentary, series, and film I could find and read extensively, seeking to understand the political complexity and human drama of the time. The conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York felt incredibly multi-layered, brutal, and deeply human.

The shortened synopsis is that “In 1497, Prince Richard of Shrewsbury battles his past, armies and faith in his conquest for the throne of England, upon which King Henry Tudor sits, aware of Richard’s claim”. The Pretender is a 30-minute historic short film which is set in the aftermath of the Cornish Rebellion in 1497 and tells the story of Richard IV (Richard of Shrewsbury) up until his capture at Beaulieu Abbey. It is important that I do not give spoilers away or key details at this stage. This short film project has a clear structure and narrative that can act as a standalone picture or as part of a wider piece. The film explores the central character of Richard and his mental, and physical struggles as he tries to navigate his next move and the survival of his men. I admire how we can use history to highlight modern themes and issues. There are clear themes that have been chosen throughout such as, doubt, guilt, generational trauma and PTSD to name a few. However, we wish to present a wide range of themes and situations so that the audience can make their own judgements. Richard is essentially a refugee who is trying to fight for his freedom and identity against the powers that be who wish to erase and discredit him for their own purposes. I believe that we all have the ability to overcome our inner obstacles, that we can make and create beautiful things regardless of our barriers. How many of us believe the inner narratives that we have been taught by caregivers, or that have developed over time? If Perkin Warbeck was actually Richard of Shrewsbury, what would his personal journey have been like, from the Tower till his execution in 1499? Having lost his entire family, his Identity and birthright. The trauma and guilt of his past. For me, there is a story to tell. Within this grey area of our history there are figures that have not been explored on screen in a way that is truly representative. This film is not an admission of events, it is based on sources and materials to say what if this happened, rather than this did happen. The film shows the character development of Richard and how he becomes the person he knows deep down who he needs and wants to be. For the production we have partnered with the War of the Roses Federation who are involved in some of the major parts of the film. The federation is incredible, their knowledge and authenticity are outstanding, and we are aiming to make this film as realistic to the time period as we can.

 

4. I understand that you are a member of the Richard III Society. What prompted you to join?

 

In the fall of 2023, I made the commitment with Director Oliver Griffiths that the film about Richard of Shrewsbury was a project that we were going to undertake together. I had written around five drafts up to this point and I had definitive pictures in my mind of where I wanted to take The Pretender. I watched the Missing Princes Documentary with both Philippa Langley and Rob Rinder and I was hooked. Alongside this the Princes in the Tower book by Philippa Langley which is incredible and truly opened my eyes further to this topic and affirmed to me that there was a story to be told. There is no doubt in my mind that this mystery has been solved. Additionally, the missing Princes Project is incredible research and knowledge that has uncovered some incredible details on this grey period of history. Joining the society allowed me to step closer into the world of Richard III and the War of the Roses world in which I was so fascinated. I have wanted to learn more about this subject matter and even after six years of research, I am still learning something new each day. I have always been a bit of a geek and it’s wonderful to be involved in a community which has the same passions as ourselves. I was welcomed in with open arms by my local branch of the Richard III Society, all of whom are amazing people with such knowledge and experience in this field. It would be an honour to show the members of the Society, in the UK and beyond, The Pretender when ready. I would love to share this journey with the Society and lovers of both film and history.

 

5. What do you think happened to the Sons of Edward IV (Known as the Princes in the Tower) after their uncle became King of England?

 

I have been greatly inspired by the works of both incredible historians and writers such as Philippa Langley, Matt Lewis, Nathen Amin, Philippa Gregory, Richard Anderton, John Ashdown-Hill, Thomas Penn, Ian Arthurson and Chris Skidmore to name a few. It is my belief that King Richard III’s character and reputation has been tarnished over the years by Tudor propaganda and the wonderful play of Richard III by William Shakespeare, as well as other modern contemporary media references. It is incredible what Wiki information is regarded as fact. It is interesting when you arrive at a period of history and discover the traditional narratives. After reading the traditional history, it did not sit well with me. I subscribe to the theory that both Princes were moved secretly to separate locations and, in the years following the battle of Bosworth, came back to England to fight to reclaim the throne and restore the Yorkist line of succession. I believe that the eldest son, Edward V was the Dublin King and was either killed or escaped and survived from the Battle of Stoke in 1487. Following this I believe that the man history remembers as Perkin Warbeck was actually the second son of King Edward IV, Richard of Shrewsbury. The missing Princes Project highlights so many groundbreaking revelations into this period. The evidence is clear and is comprehensive.

 

6. Do you have any other plans for the future?

 

I am grateful for my agent at Fairbanks & Rowe and I have been given some incredible opportunities and I would like to continue to further my career into Film and Television. At Anthony-Hamilton we have a long list of projects that we would both like to progress with. Some of these projects are history related and some are contemporary based dramas. I have been in contact with some theatre producer colleagues and have discussed the idea of converting The Pretender into a stage play of some sort. I would like to see if I can write an expansion of this story to include more characters of the period, potentially a 6-part series. There is a quotation that has always stuck with me; There is a quotation that fascinates me, Dostoevsky said, “Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for. Only one thing matters, one thing: to be able to dare.” Creatively I believe that this is important, and in life. That we dare to take a chance to live our dreams and to try to make them a reality. Richard’s story has to be told and this project to make The Pretender has been a dream come true. I believe that we need to tell Richard’s story.

 

7. Outside of acting and your membership of the Richard III Society what other interests do you have?

 

Outside of acting and the Richard III Society you will often find me at a National Trust site, a library, reading, watching films, at the theatre or with my friends and family. I like to push myself, last year I did a Sky dive and the year before a bungee jump. I am always trying to push myself and learn as much as I can. I am a family man; I love my close friends and grandparents. I would like to go to more Society events in the future and to history talks. Last year I found my faith, and I am a proud Christian. I love going to Church and being a part of the local community.

 

8. Did you learn anything about the Wars of the Roses and the Tudors when you were at school?

 

At school, I had been taught the traditional Tudor narrative, focused mainly on Henry VIII, and the earlier period had barely entered my imagination. Discovering that the Battle of Bosworth in 1485 is often seen as the end of the medieval era opened an entirely new world for me. The years that followed, particularly between 1485 and 1499, struck me as filled with unresolved mysteries and stories largely unknown to the wider public.

 

One of the most enduring mysteries is that of the Princes in the Tower, a debate that continues to divide historians. Through my research, I became drawn to the Ricardian perspective. I believe King Richard III’s reputation has been unfairly tarnished and do not subscribe to the idea that he murdered his nephews. The deeper I went into the history, the less comfortable I became with the traditional narrative portraying him simply as a usurper. I was personally moved by the injustice caused to Richard III’s reputation. The more I researched, the less interested and convinced I became in the traditional depictions and interpretations. This journey has reinforced my belief that history must always be re-examined. As artists, we have a responsibility to give voice to people whose stories have been obscured, simplified, or silenced. It is troubling to think about how many individuals throughout history never had the opportunity to express their own truths and how easily narratives can be shaped by those who came after. Hopefully ‘The Pretender’ can inspire new ways of thinking and approaching this period of history.

 

 

Here is a link to the latest press release about The Pretender film project:-

https://www.anthonyhamiltonproductions.com/post/the-pretender

Here is a link to a You Tube video about the film: