James Anthony Pearson plays Davie Balfour
"When I found out I was auditioning for Kidnapped I started to
read the book. I had about 25 pages to go and I said to myself that
I wouldn't finish it unless I got the part. So I finished it."
- James Anthony Pearson
Kidnapped is a classic coming-of-age story told through the eyes of
its young protagonist Davie Balfour, as he is catapulted out of his
sheltered, Protestant life and into the bold, dangerous world of the
Highlands.
Pearson, who has a diploma in mathematics and physics and several television
and theatre productions under his belt, was working in repertory theatre
when he auditioned for the role:
"I was really thrilled to get it. I was so pleased. It was exactly
what I wanted to do next."
Pearson describes Davie's story as a journey from boyhood to manhood:
"Davie definitely begins as child. He's launched into the adult world
and has to fend for himself and he really doesn't have a clue. His world
is really sheltered and grey but he doesn't realise it because it's
his world."
The death of Davie's father and the revelation that he is the heir
to a fortune sets Davie on a journey that he has no control over - at
least at the start:
"When Davie meets Ebenezer it's like he jumps on a roller coaster.
"It's not until the moment he smacks the wine out of Alan's hand
that he stands up and decides he's going to put the brakes on and jump
off the roller coaster."
In quick succession Davie is kidnapped and sold into slavery; comes
under fire and joins forces with heroic outlaw Alan Breck; is shipwrecked;
and finds himself alone in the Highlands, with nothing to do but follow
Breck's trail.
His relationship with Breck is an alliance born of circumstance, but
one that will teach Davie important lessons about how he can choose
to live his life.
Filming Kidnapped has been a dream job for the young actor:
"I actually can't believe my luck having the main part in something
like this. I just hope I do it justice.
"Part of it's really scary because I'm in every scene, but I just
love it - working every single day, and seeing the production side as
well. I really like the collaborative process of acting.
"It's been brilliant to work so closely with such experienced
actors and great crew. It's the perfect job."
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