The Rakish Gent Paper 5 - Alexander King & Alexander Lincoln

Art Direction & Grooming - Michael Gray at David Artists

Critically acclaimed, independent gay rugby feature film In From The Side features talented young actors Alexander King and Alexander Lincoln in the lead roles. Beginning at BFI Flare, the film has seen incredible success as it tours the US and UK, with a cinema release slated for September 2022.

Alexander Lincoln - T-Shirt - David Gandy Wellwear, Trousers - Marcelo Burlon
Alex King - Trousers - Zilver

Exploring the multiple types of connections that can occur within a large group of gay men in a seemingly hyper-masculine and aggressive sports team environment and the pressures that it places on Mark, a new and inexperienced club member and more seasoned Warren, the film reflects a modern, forward-thinking LGBT universe, and is both a deeply personal look at modern gay relationships and a universal story of a doomed love affair.

Mr Alexander King

Tell us about your role in In From The Side

I play Warren who is a long-established member of the A Squad for the South London Stags. The A’s have made a name for themselves in the amateur rugby league and win almost all their matches. Warren is a dominant force both on the pitch and in his love affair with Mark who plays for the newly formed B Squad. Many describe him as the alpha of the group.

What attracted you to wanting to play this character?

Well at first glance Warren is selfish, cocky, arrogant, thoughtless, and rather unhinged. And whilst those things are true, I saw a deeply troubled and complex character and they are always the most interesting to unravel. It was exploring the deeper truths behind his behaviours and actions which fascinated me. Underneath his bold exterior he is extremely insecure and vulnerable. There was so much depth to him and that is always a gift for an actor.

Were you at all familiar with the world of gay rugby prior to taking the role?

I was aware that gay and all-inclusive sports teams existed including rugby teams. Although I had never been involved with a gay and inclusive sports team directly or met anyone who had. Matt Carter our wonderful director has been involved with gay rugby for over 10 years. Not only as a player, but also a qualified referee and coach. I picked his brains as much as I could to understand it better. It also hugely helped that many of the rugby playing extras who made the rugby sequences look so epic were members of gay rugby teams. It was amazing getting to know them and hear about their experiences which enabled me to immerse myself with this world on set.

Were you able to bring any of your own experiences to the portrayal of your character?

Yes absolutely. I have played in multiple sports teams including rugby, football, and basketball teams. I have also been involved with many different theatre companies. All rely heavily on teamwork and camaraderie. There is a common goal to either win a match or put on a great show. The stress and pressure of the result can always put relationships under tension. Chuck in some big personalities and romance and you’ve got a recipe for some drama! Of course, I also drew from my own love life and experiences. Like many I have fallen hard and fast for someone and been blinded in the pursuit of it.

How did you and Alexander Lincoln create such a close bond on screen?

We got to know each other really well off screen which for me was vital. We really did hit it off very quickly with each other and shared a wonderful chemistry. It didn’t take long for us to establish an emotional connection and feel comfortable around each other. It was much easier then to carry this bond when we were Mark and Warren.

Did you have to do any prep prior to filming?

We did some rugby training sessions together which Matt set up. He brought in a qualified rugby coach who ran various training drills with us. This gave a great opportunity to get my hands back on a rugby ball as it had been a while! It also gave the group an opportunity to build a rapport with each other. I also made sure I maintained my strength and fitness levels. Other than that, it was the usual preparation I would do for any role. But of course, an actor never reveals!

How have you reacted to the buzz that the film has been receiving?

It’s all been rather overwhelming! But in the best possible way. To have been selected for so many film festivals and have cinema releases across the globe has been truly flattering. I knew this was a special project before we started and even more so after we had finished shooting. But there is no way, I thought we would hit such heights. It’s been magical to have so much support, interest, and love for the movie. I’m beyond grateful for this and the experiences it has given me.

What are you working on now and next?

I’m currently auditioning for roles and exploring different opportunities within the industry. I’m also about to resume writing my sitcom which I have parked recently to focus on the release of In From The Side.

Knitwear - DSquared2, Trousers - Marcelo Burlon, Boots - Dr Martens

Mr Alexander Lincoln

Tell us about your role in In From The Side

I play Mark Newton, who is new a new addition to the fictional Stags Rugby Club.

What attracted you to wanting to play this character?

The script. So often you read a script and there are aspects that you don’t gel with and you have to tentatively ask for revisions but with this, the story was so intriguing and Mark’s character so complex and vulnerable that is seemed too interesting a film to not to want to be a part of.

Were you at all familiar with the world of gay rugby prior to taking the role?

I played rugby at school and for a club until I was 18, but no not gay rugby. We had a load of supporting artists on the film who were from that background so we really got a feel for what it’s like in an inclusive club, but honestly gay rugby is just rugby. It comes with all the trappings of a rugby club, the camaraderie, the drinking, the family and the ups and downs.

Were you able to bring any of your own experiences to the portrayal of your character?

Absolutely, there’s always aspects to myself that I bring in to a character, I think that the pursuit of experiences in life is what affords actors the ability to put themselves in the situations of the characters they portray believably. However the exact experiences of Mark in the film do differ from my own.

How did you and Alexander King create such a close bond on screen?

Honestly it was easy, me and Ally get on so well that it just flows. We can not speak for months and then start up again like no time has passed at all. It also helps that he is extremely talented, so every day on set was a joy.

Did you have to do any prep prior to filming?

We did do a fair bit of rugby training before shooting, this really helped us all build up a repertoire with each other as well as brush up on some skills.

How have you reacted to the buzz that the film has been receiving?

It’s been incredible, truly. You always want a project you do to resonate with people and get truthful reactions and people have been responding to this film so incredibly that it’s just so humbling. I’m so grateful to everyone who’s come out to see it and who has got in touch. And also I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our director and co-writer, Matt Carter, who’s artistic balance on this film has lead it to where it is- he’s an incredibly talented human.

What are you working on now and next?

Next up I have a bit of a darker role, which I usually get cast as actually, I really enjoy exploring antagonists and what makes them tick; what made them this way and the vulnerabilities that are apparent within them.

A full version of this feature can be found in The Rakish Gent Paper Issue 5.

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