Switching gears entirely, what do you think of this planned Harry Potter stage play ?
Harry Melling: I think it's great. I have no idea how it's going to work, tonally or stylistically, but it will [work] because the narrative is so interesting. I'll be there, definitely. [pause] I probably won't be in it, but I'll definitely be there.

How did this role come about?
Melling: The director [Angus Jackson] saw me in a couple of shows in the UK and then invited me to meet him. Then, there was a second round, with Frank [Langella], and then I met again with Frank, and then it was an offer. It was nice that Angus was familiar with me and my work. It's quite a usual routine to get a job, as opposed to, he saw me in this and said "Yes, I want you!" It was a three-round process.

Tell me about your take on the Fool.
Melling: I've always been fascinated by characters who are extremely dangerous —that are the truth tellers throughout the play. Although they can potentially come across silly, there's a well of truth that he almost throws like daggers towards Lear, to try and steer him back onto a path of reason. Angus already made a choice by casting him young, which is nice because that allows me to get away with things that perhaps an older Fool wouldn't. Most important [I didn't want to] make him into a dancing, juggling, annoying presence on stage.

When the Fool disappears, where does he go?
Melling: That's the big question, isn't it? My interpretation, at the moment, is he goes off to kill himself. My rather tricky job is to make my last line [incorporate] the future of what's going to happen to him — just living in one line.

What is it like working with Frank Langella?
Melling: It's been brilliant. He's a real force, not only on stage, but offstage. How he does it every night, to the degree to which he does, is remarkable.