Luke Joslin as "Tin Man"
IT'S hard to believe Luke Joslin, who plays the Tin Man in the Parramatta Riverside Theatre's remake of The Wizard of Oz, had never seen the original 1939 movie classic until he was cast in the production.
"It's just one of those movies which had fallen through the cracks," Joslin, of Kenthurst, said.
"So not knowing too much about the part, I did my research and then I understood why this movie was clearly celebrated as an all-time classic.
"It's a multi-dimensional production of four characters which has been written through a child's eyes and that appeals to me.
"I suppose I also wanted to bring this element to the show."
Joslin has won a Helpmann Award and a Green Room Award for his role as Trekkie Monster in the successful Avenue Q and recently toured with the Australian production of Doctor Zhivago and Annie, so he feel ready to take on the iconic role of the Tin Man.
"I was asked to play the part by Neil [director]," Joslin said.
"I've worked with Neil before as an assistant director and actor.
"I was asked at a time when I had nothing going on and I was very much attracted to the role."
Joslin said he would attempt to show a different side of the Tin Man in the production.
"I suppose the thing about past Tin Man characters is that they have all been similar in their approach to the role," he said.
"I don't make him a pushover.
"He is a character who is really hard to understand. Many people think he is a cynic but, without putting the other characters down, he is wiser than the other three.
"He has a leadership quality which the other three look up to him for."