Ben Whitehead has entertained millions this Christmas as the voice of Wallace in Aardman Animations ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’. Ben’s impressive voice acting is well known to Wireless and Audible listeners, of course! We caught up with Ben last year to get to know him better.
“I’m inspired by audio comedy, comic strips and the weirder aspects of life.”
Ben Whitehead
How did you first get involved in voice acting?
I got into it through a friend (Welsh Voice Actor, Noni Lewis) who suggested me for a job reading in at a voice casting for Aardman Animations.
What was the first Wireless Theatre production you were involved with?
I think Spring Heeled Jack. I played Mr Duberville ,The Bermondsey Lurker. My favourite type of role -the imposing villain
How do you create your live comedy characters? Where do you get your inspiration?
Observation, imitation, inclination. (I just made that up but it sounds good) I aim to subconsciously make a more foolish and truthful version of myself. The audience is the final part of construction, my reaction to their response helps me create a truthful character.
I’m inspired by audio comedy, comic strips and the weirder aspects of life.
You have worked on many audio productions, voice overs, live comedy shows and animations. Which have you enjoyed most, and why?
Being asked to voice Wallace and the fact that Aardman have stuck with me for years has given me the chance to plot my progress with it. Having the time to make improvements and learning/refining has made the process rewarding and very enjoyable.
What are your top tips for aspiring voice actors or aspiring comedians?
Find your voice and your inner clown or if you’re like me, find a few of them and try to stick with one. Use a personal interest to drive material and style (eg my personal interest in the macabre created my character Fred Strangebone. Then keep playing and speaking (and listening and watching others).
” My favourite type of role -the imposing villain”
Ben Whitehead
What do you enjoy most about acting as a profession? What do you find toughest?
I like working with others to make something Good. The toughest part is not having work and not knowing if you got that audition.
How do you feel the audio drama and voice acting world has changed, since the start of your career?
There is more Audio Drama than before with more platforms and ways to listen. The biggest change is the A.I that has been introduced with voice simulation. Its still developing but will potentially bring a massive change to casting and recording.
What has been your biggest career challenge? How did you overcome it?
Every time I try and learn choreography! The biggest challenge is staying healthy in an uncertain profession. I overcome it by creating my own work if possible.
What are you working on at present?
I’m working on maintaining focus and discipline so I can realise one of the many ideas in my head. I’m also writing short film scripts.
How can listeners enjoy your work?
You can search on The Wireless Theatre or Audible websites, and play one of the many games I voice for (Aardman have a BIG VR project called The Grand Getaway’). (Ed: Ben was also great as Wallace in the latest Aardman film ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ available on BBC iPlayer for UK visitors.
Have you heard any great audio dramas, podcasts or audiobooks recently that you would like to recommend?
Drama – Voices in the Valley (BBC) unsettling folk-horror with a great cast of readers. Also Solomon Browne a deeply moving drama/doc
Podcast – I’m a cinephile and really like Adam Roche’s voice, his History of Hollywood podcasts are brilliantly presented.
Good Pop, Bad Pop by Jarvis Cocker – Listening to this great autobiographical project, Jarvis’s gently sonorous voice seeped into my conscience and becomes my inner dialogue.
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Photos of Ben:
Ben Whitehead Headshot copyright Stephanie Clare 2024
Ben at Edinburgh Festival and as Fred Strangebone – copyright Ben Whitehead 2024
Voices in the Valley – copyright BBC 2024
The Secret History of Hollywood – Copyright Adam Roche 2024
Good Pop Bad Pop – copyright Penguin Books 2024
