There’s just over a week left to see Diana Donnelly’s carnival Twelfth Night! Don’t miss out on the hilarious and heartfelt production that audiences are describing as “bonkers in the best of ways—with big emotional punches too.”

With a playful, tongue-in-cheek twist to Shakespeare’s duels and rivalries, there’s no shortage of zany mishaps in Twelfth Night—and often, it’s Sir Andrew Aguecheek at the centre of things! We spoke with Nathan Kay on what it was like diving into a character like Sir Andrew, while also balancing a very different role in Hamlet. Read on for our chat with Nathan!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into acting?
My name is Nathan. Some people call me Nate or NayKay. I’ve got a dog named Midge who I love very much. I grew up in High River, AB, and I mostly danced growing up. I liked it very much and was, simply, just okay at it!

I got into acting when I played the titular Wizard in The Wizard of Oz in grade two. No big deal. But I remember having to improvise a bit when a classmate was nervous about making an entrance. I have NO IDEA what I did. But I remember everyone laughing. And I remember liking it a lot. Perhaps too much. 

You have some pretty show-stopping choreography and fight sequences in Twelfth Night. What has it been like for you to dive into a role like Sir Andrew?
Show-stopping!? That’s very generous! Getting to choreograph and build the dance sequence with my friend Anton Lipovetsky (Musical Director/Feste) was such a treat. We were jamming on what type of music Sir Andrew would most like to dance to and making each other laugh with the absurdity of it. Same goes for building the fight with Camille Legg (Cesario/Viola) and our fight director Jonathan Hawley Purvis. Getting to fool around as Sir Andrew has been, well, a blast. Discovering bits and acting with my friends has been such a joy this summer.

Nathan Kay as Sir Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night (2024). Directed by Diana Donnelly | Set Design by Pam Johnson | Costume Design by Mara Gottler | Lighting Design by Sophie Tang | Photo by Tim Matheson

Twelfth Night is playing in repertory with Hamlet, where you play a very different character in Laertes. How has that experience been for you?
The two characters and what the show requires of them is drastically different to say the least. I think it’s been my favourite part about doing a rep season. I feel like I get to demonstrate real range, which isn’t an opportunity everyone gets. I’ve never really had an experience like the one playing Laertes. I’m off-stage for the majority of the play, and when I come back, the most tragic things imaginable happen to him and his life falls apart. It’s a real ride to end the show.

Is there a moment that stands out to you from your Bard experience this Season?
I don’t know if I can pick one particular moment. I feel so fortunate to be here, performing with so many talented artists and dear friends. There is at least one moment every day where someone makes me laugh until I cry. Yes, it’s impossible to pick one! 

When you aren’t in rehearsal or performing, how do you like to spend your time? 
If I’m not on stage or in rehearsal, you will almost CERTAINLY find me with my dog Midge in the woods or on Commercial Drive. She is a nightmare and I love her tremendously!

Midge sitting on a tree stump surrounded by forest

A huge thank you to Nathan for taking the time to chat with us today! 

Be sure to see Nathan and the rest of our Mainstage Company in Twelfth Night! Our Season must close September 21—get your tickets now by visiting our Season Schedule.