Ben Platt has bared his soul about the anxiety that's been dogging him for years – and how his marriage, theatre projects, and latest London stage debut are all playing a vital role in his mental wellbeing. The Tony Award-winning actor, best known for his star turn in 'Dear Evan Hansen', is currently dazzling audiences at the Harold Pinter Theatre as Trevor, an effervescent cabaret crooner with a heart of gold in 'Midnight at the Never Get'.
Platt describes anxiety as a constant companion he's learned to live with – but credits his husband Noah Galvin, who's also on stage in London in 'Hit Machine', as a huge factor in keeping it under control. It's not just their love that's providing a lifeline, though; Platt swears by the therapeutic power of creative work, saying it's been a massive help in navigating his mental health.
Playing Trevor is more than just another role for Platt – it's a chance to channel his inner queer icon and sing songs that feel like they were written specifically for him. 'It's one hundred per cent liberating,' he beams, 'to be playing a three-dimensional queer character singing explicitly queer love songs.' The musical, directed by David Cromer, features extraordinary songs by Mark Sonnenblick – including the showstopping title number – and sees Platt shine as Trevor.
While 'Midnight at the Never Get' isn't overtly political, its themes resonate deeply with Platt's concerns about the current climate for LGBTQ+ rights in his home nation. He admits that being American feels quite helpless and scary right now – but finds pockets of optimism in New York City, where he cites new mayor Zohran Mamdani as representing a different class of politics.
Platt also opened up about the highs and lows of his career so far – including the intense experience of originating the role of Evan Hansen on Broadway, which earned him a Tony Award. Although the subsequent film adaptation received a mixed reception, he maintains that the character was completely life-changing for him. Looking ahead, Platt's ultimate theatrical ambition is to play George in Stephen Sondheim's 'Sunday in the Park With George' – a role he describes as everything that is him.