Daniel Mays: The Razzle Dazzle of Acting
“Just go in there and give it the old razzle dazzle, Danny.” These were the inspiring words from Stephen Graham that resonated with Daniel Mays as he took on a thrilling new role in Disney+’s gripping drama A Thousand Blows. At the time, Mays was deeply immersed in his performance as Nathan Detroit in Guys and Dolls, a role that had him performing six shows a week at The Bridge Theatre in London. When Graham reached out to Mays, inviting him to join the cast, it was a significant commitment, especially with Mays already engaged in an Olivier-nominated, 300-performance run.
The challenge intensified as A Thousand Blows is a period drama steeped in history, revolving around boxing brothers, Jamaican immigrants seeking their place in Victorian society, and the notorious all-female criminal gang, The Forty Elephants, from Wapping. The production was shooting both its first and second series back-to-back, making Mays’ participation a daunting prospect. However, the bond he shares with Graham—a fellow working-class actor and a proven talent in the industry—made the decision easier. Mays was excited to portray William “Punch” Lewis, a historical publican and ringmaster from the East End in the 1880s, particularly because of the quality Graham brings to any project.
“I immediately connected with Punch’s character,” Mays explains, reflecting on his preparation. “As the MC, my role is to energize the crowd, which lends itself to a performance that’s as theatrical as possible. Interestingly, my experience in Guys and Dolls influenced my portrayal of Punch, incorporating some of the pratfalls and hat-spins from Nathan Detroit into the character. It’s amusing to me, even if no one else notices!”
This six-episode series, with its stylish violence and raw portrayal of Industrial Britain, is unmistakably the work of one screenwriter—none other than Steven Knight, known for Peaky Blinders. “One of the standout moments from our press junket was seeing how everyone was completely captivated by Steven Knight’s unique world-building,” Mays shares. “The story is intricate and brilliantly crafted.”
On a midweek afternoon at The Devonshire, a beloved London pub, Mays finds solace in a pint or two of Guinness after a long press day. He embodies the down-to-earth nature of a working-class actor, as he shares insights about his extensive career, which recently reached a significant milestone with his 100th credit in the recent murder mystery series Moonflower Murders.
When asked about his breakthrough role in Atonement, Mays reflects, “It provided me with a substantial monologue, written at the last minute by Anthony Minghella, who served as a script doctor. It was a pivotal moment in my career.” He further discusses how he is often recognized for his role in Line of Duty, despite his character’s brief appearance in just one episode, which ironically earned him a Bafta nomination for Supporting Actor.
“Recognition can be quite random at times,” he admits. Mays recounts an encounter during a recent performance of Guys and Dolls in Manchester, where a member of the press shared how the BBC drama Against the Law profoundly resonated with him as a gay man. “It’s moments like these that remind me how impactful our work can be on audiences, and that’s incredibly rewarding.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Mays hints at exciting projects in the pipeline, including his role in Netflix’s The Thursday Murder Club, based on Richard Osman’s bestselling novel. Sharing the screen with illustrious actors like Ben Kingsley, Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, and Celia Imrie, he describes the experience as surreal. “It was crazy to work alongside such a talented cast. I’m grateful to have reached a point in my career where I can embrace these opportunities without the weight of imposter syndrome holding me back,” he explains.
However, the discussion inevitably steers toward the challenges of the acting profession, particularly regarding class and access to roles. Mays expresses his passion for theatre, which he views as “the ultimate challenge” for any actor. Despite his love for the stage, he has yet to tackle Shakespeare, a fact he describes as a “monkey on my back.” He speculates that his Essex accent might lead casting directors to overlook him for classical roles, which he believes reflects a broader issue in the industry.
“It’s frustrating because there’s a significant lack of roles available right now,” he laments. Mays shares that he’s been fortunate to maintain a busy schedule, recently completing filming for Mark Gatiss’s Bookish and a reboot of the early 2000s Inspector Lynley Mysteries. He’s also gearing up to reunite with Jason Statham for an action film, where he’ll portray a computer geek—a nod to Simon Pegg’s character in Mission: Impossible.
Despite his busy schedule, Mays candidly reflects on the current state of the British TV industry, describing it as “fking dead at the moment.” He attributes this to a financial crisis leading to fewer greenlit projects, which results in many talented actors struggling to find work. “I recently attended a friend’s 40th birthday and discovered many exceptional actors hadn’t worked in over a year. It’s a tough reality, but I’ve been fortunate since Guys and Dolls, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way without auditions,” he shares.
As Mays continues, he highlights the competitive nature of the industry, especially for bigger roles, where he finds himself up against top-tier actors. “The current climate means many talented actors are vying for the same positions, which is why we see so many Hollywood A-listers in the West End right now. But sometimes, they don’t deliver the performances we expect, which can be disheartening,” he admits.
Another significant concern for Mays is the escalating cost of theatre tickets in London. “It’s crucial that theatre remains accessible; otherwise, it risks becoming elitist. The West End prices are simply outrageous at this point,” he states.
Nonetheless, Mays maintains a positive outlook. He loves his craft, feels fortunate with his roles, and knows that the more effort he puts into his work, the luckier he becomes. During the intensive filming of A Thousand Blows alongside his nightly performances in Guys and Dolls, he learned the art of conserving energy, often managing only five hours of sleep a night. “I even fell asleep sitting up in front of the entire cast of A Thousand Blows during a break!” he laughs. The camaraderie among the cast made the demanding schedule manageable.
As our conversation wraps up at The Devonshire, Mays’ co-star James Nelson-Joyce joins us, having just finished his own interview. The younger actor expresses his admiration for Mays, recalling, “I remember watching him in The Street with Jimmy McGovern. His portrayal of a complex character who falls in love with a prostitute was moving. He’s someone from our background, and he inspires us all—he’s our Pete Postlethwaite.”
A Thousand Blows is available to stream on Disney+ now.
