SFP – 25

Sub Committees on The Smoke-free Premises etc. (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2012

Response from Hywel Dowsell

From: Ebbw Vale (Studying at Guilford School of Acting, London)

Appeared in: Pobol Y Cwm, various student films and theatre productions.

Statement: Once I was involved in a production where we had to smoke because it was set in the era and in an east end pub. I was scripted to have lines asking for cigarettes and it was vital to my character. I don’t smoke in the slightest, but in the name of theatre I went ahead and passionately put my all into the role. I was asked to smoke herbal ones so that no one could complain. I had an audition on the Monday afterwards and my voice was in a terrible state to sing. I disagree that smoking should be allowed on set. It put’s actors who are non-smokers under pressure and it put’s other actors at risk from second hand smoke. Technology is becoming more and more advance and products like the e-cigarettes do the job just as well! We need to move forward not backwards.