Actor and Krays expert Steve Wraith is known for his in-depth knowledge of The Krays, we sat down with him to discuss his latest role in film The Krays – Dead Man Walking?
Q. When did you first become interested in The Krays?
I first saw the Kray Twins on television in 1982 attending their mother Violets funeral. I was 10 years old. Something must have stick in my mind because 5 years later I stumbled across a book about the Twins called ‘The Profession Of Violence’ by John Pearson at a book stall and I read it in two days. At school I wasn’t the greatest scholar but my English teacher was convinced I could pass English if I could study something I was interested in and he allowed me to study Johns book. I passed with flying colours and decided to write to the Krays to tell them of my academic success thanks to the book on their life. They both wrote back and that is where my ‘journey’ began. When I left school I had started a performing arts course at college and to make money on the side I was designing t-shirts. I knocked up a few designs with the twins faces on and wrote to them with a business proposition. They liked my idea of ‘Kray’ t-shirts and I went into business with the Krays. We made good money, and over the next few years I helped create their ‘Empire’ behind bars. I visited the Twins many times and became good friends with their elder brother Charlie. I walked into the book that I read and met all of the major characters. Not many people get a chance to do that.
Q. How did you get involved with the film The Krays – Dead Man Walking?
I was introduced to Jonathan Sothcott by a couple of mutual friends Vicky Pattison and Melly Barnes a few years ago so it started there. As an actor you have to push and promote yourself to reach your goals and because Jonathan is the Godfather of great British crime films I really wanted to get involved with him. After our initial chat he promised that he would get men involved with a suitable project at some point and he is a man of his word. He sent me the script for Dead Man Walking and I loved it. Because of my involvement with the Kray family over the years and my knowledge Jonathan asked me if I would be interested in a role on both sides of the camera. I jumped at the chance of being a consultant and was on set each day to help the actors with any queries on their characters. I think Nathan John (Ron) and Triana who plays Frances gained the most from having me on set. They are both great actors and were keen to know more about their characters. It was a pleasure to meet the late Leslie Grantham to. I love playing villains and he was one of the very best and he had some good words of advise for me. He will be sorely missed.
Q. How do you think it is different to previous films about the Twins?
There are a few stories that have never been told about the Kray Twins and the story of Frank Mitchell is 1 of them so that makes this unique. The script is really strong and the cast is fantastic. The casting of the Twins was always going to have to be right and I think Nathanjohn Carter and Marc Pickering do a fantastic job as do Josh Myers (Frank) and Rita Symons who plays Lisa. The film focusses on the ‘krayzy’ plan to break their friend Frank Mitchell out of prison in an attempt to get the authorities to give him a definitive release date. In reality Mitchell swaps one prison for another and as time passes and he becomes frustrated and uncontrollable leaving the Krays with a big problem. This film will sit nicely alongside its predecessors.
Q. Was it as much fun as it looked making Footsoldier 3?
Most definitely. It was a big break for me getting cast as ‘Steamboat’. The director Zack Adler wanted me in the film and the part was made for me. To work with the likes of Craig Fairbrass, Andy Beckwith and Eddie Webber each day was a dream come true for me. I have watched these lads in movies over the years and could never have dreamed that I would one day be starring in a film with them. Any actor will tell you that days on set can be long and tiring but filming ROFS3 wasn’t like that. There was a real togetherness between cast and crew and plenty of laughs! I spent a lot of time with Shaun Ryder who was making his acting debut and he has some great stories.
Q. What’s next for you?
I have been working again on the other side of the camera as an associate producer on the documentary ‘Fred’ about former Kray associate Fred Foreman which has been received well. When I’m not acting I spin a few plates. I’m a writer and an promoter in Newcastle. I have been working on a new book with former Scottish villain Paul Ferris which comes out in November. I have also been working on a new book with Eddie Lennie and Tony Sayers on the ‘The Sayers’ crime family in Newcastle. I am looking forward to continuing my working relationship with Jonathan and Hereford Films. We have a good friendship and I am sure there are other projects we will work on together.
