In the jarring atmosphere of Half Man, Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson, who bring to life the youth of the series’ main characters, discuss the transformation of the characters Ruben and Niall, the boundaries of friendship, and their own generation’s perception of masculinity within this complex universe built by Richard Gadd.
Half Man is a production that shakes the viewer not only with its story but also with the depth of its characters. One of the most important factors behind the series’ success is the incredible sincerity displayed by Stuart Campbell, who plays the youth of Richard Gadd (Ruben), and Mitchell Robertson, who plays the youth of Jamie Bell (Niall), alongside the lead actors.
- In the jarring atmosphere of Half Man, Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson, who bring to life the youth of the series’ main characters, discuss the transformation of the characters Ruben and Niall, the boundaries of friendship, and their own generation’s perception of masculinity within this complex universe built by Richard Gadd.
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Within the uncanny and savage texture of the series, these two young talents make us feel to the marrow how a story of “brotherhood” turns into a trauma. Here is a sincere conversation extending from behind the scenes of the set to the painful world of their characters.
The series Half Man has a very harsh and challenging atmosphere. Stuart, you play the “wild and loyal” young Ruben; Mitchell, you play the “calm and docile” young Niall. What was it like for you to reflect the dark inner worlds of your characters?
Stuart Campbell (Young Ruben): Every time we stepped onto the set, we felt that atmosphere completely take us over. Richard provided us with a space that was so safe yet so boundary-pushing that reflecting Ruben’s uncontrolled anger and loyalty was actually like therapy. Facing the dark sides was exhausting, but the reality of the work was worth all the emotional difficulties we filmed.
Mitchell Robertson (Young Niall): Niall is often more timid and vulnerable next to Ruben. Trying to keep this “compliant” character standing within the harsh, violent world of the series was a great responsibility. Richard and Jamie (Bell) laid such a strong foundation for the characters that we simply tried to keep the fragility of those characters in their youth alive.
As representatives of a young generation, what do you think about the “new generation masculinity” and the bonds of brotherhood portrayed in the series?
Stuart Campbell: This series actually asks the question “What is masculinity?” from a very brave place. Brotherhood is both the only refuge and a prison for Ruben and Niall. While we were making sense of our characters’ efforts to hold onto each other, we saw how much of a deep wound the modern man actually has under that outer shell.
Mitchell Robertson: Definitely. Niall’s unwavering devotion to Ruben is actually also about his search for his own identity. It serves as a warning for our generation as well: making a connection can sometimes be painful, but even this pain has a place in a true friendship.
What do you think has changed by taking part in such a deep project in your career like Half Man?
Stuart Campbell: It definitely raised the bar very high. It’s no longer enough for us for a project to just “look good.” Half Man taught us how to get inside a role, to feel its anger and its love.
Mitchell Robertson: Working with Richard Gadd fundamentally changed our perspective on art. We are no longer just “acting,” we are feeling every cell of the story. This became the turning point of our acting careers.
One of the most striking aspects of Half Man is its visual world; it reflects the gray, gloomy, and textured atmosphere of 80s England very well. How did being “young” in that period play a role in shaping your characters?
Stuart Campbell: That unique vibe of the 80s was like a fuel feeding Ruben’s anger. A period where technology was not as advanced as today, and communication was more physical and sometimes more violent. The costumes, the music, the atmosphere that felt like a closed box brought by that era; it perfectly reflected the world Ruben was trapped in. For us, breathing that era allowed us to feel the harshness of those years to the marrow of the character.
Mitchell Robertson: I completely agree. The aesthetic of the 80s was not just decor, it was a part of the story. For Niall, that period is a time frame where he buries himself deeper inside while trying to protect himself from the outside world. The music and cultural codes of those years made the character’s silent cry even more prominent. It was a great experience to reflect the “raw” emotion of the period and to shoot a modern series with the seriousness of a period drama.
Finally, did you also research 80s music to better get into your character? Which ones interested you the most?
Stuart Campbell: I think it was a fun era, I liked the songs of that period.
Mitchell Robertson: Always on My Mind by Pet Shop Boys became my favorite. Also, Yazoo was very good.
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