What became of the child star of The Box of Delights?

As a child actor who starred in “The Box of Delights,” I can say that my life has been a whirlwind of experiences, both delightful and challenging. The show brought me into the spotlight at a young age, and while it was a total nightmare to be recognized everywhere I went, I can’t deny that it shaped my future in unexpected ways.

Since its initial airing before Christmas in 1984, the BBC’s version of The Box of Delights has gained a devoted following and is now widely recognized as a beloved cult television show.

According to John Masefield’s 1935 fantasy novel, this six-part series recounts the thrilling journeys of schoolboy Kay Harker. He finds himself in possession of a mystical chest, which he must guard vigilantly against malevolent entities.

With groundbreaking visual elements, the production secured three BAFTAs. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, The Box of Delights is set to launch in fresh Blu-ray and DVD versions on Monday, 25th November. Additionally, it will be rebroadcast on BBC Four starting from Saturday, 7th December.

As a passionate cinephile, I found myself captivated by a remarkable show that boasted some of the most distinguished talents in the acting world. Among these luminaries was Patrick Troughton, famously known for his role as Doctor Who, who breathed life into an enchanting sorcerer. On the opposite side of good, we had the formidable duo, Robert Stephens and Patricia Quinn, who mesmerized us with their villainous performances.

However, what ultimately happened to child star Devin Stanfield, whose visage graced the front page of TopMob, is that he quit acting shortly thereafter.

RT: What’s it been like revisiting The Box of Delights after 40 years?

Devin Stanfield: Revisiting that old experience has been quite intriguing, as I’d long ago left it behind and focused on other aspects of my life. To be honest, I hadn’t given it much thought, treating it almost like a chapter from my childhood. However, revisiting it now brought about fresh insights. Over the years, I’ve declined nearly every opportunity for publicity or interviews, but this time I found myself saying ‘yes’.

In a recent update, Chris Chapman created a full-length documentary for the Blu-ray/DVD release titled “Time and Tide: The Making of The Box of Delights”. I’m curious to know more about how you came to be part of this project.

Devin Stanfield: When Chris called me to discuss something, I informed him that I had already completed the 20th anniversary project. Previously, I’d crossed paths with Renny Rye [the director of The Box of Delights] at Pinewood and we filmed a brief interview for an additional DVD feature. At this point, there wasn’t much new information I could contribute to that topic.

What became of the child star of The Box of Delights?

RT: What parts of the country did that take you to?

Devin Stanfield: A significant portion of our filming took place near Hereford and the Wye Valley, as this is where the book is set and Masefield resided at some point in his life. We visited the Severn Valley Railway, Eastnor Castle, and Hereford Cathedral during production. Additionally, we filmed Kay’s house, a striking architectural anomaly located somewhere in the countryside.

Indeed, it was a deeply nostalgic journey. Revisiting those familiar paths, now as an adult and free from the weight of my past fame, seemed to provide a sense of release or healing.

Chris shared that he spoke with approximately thirty individuals, both cast and crew members, who contributed to the 1984 production.

Devin Stanfield: He also spoke with my mother, which was undoubtedly her best moment this year. Indeed, he managed to reach out to many individuals. Sadly, some of the original cast members have passed away, but he successfully interviewed almost all the significant actors and crew members.

RT: What was it like acting alongside Patrick Troughton as a child?

Devin Stanfield: Prior to my role in Chucky, I’ve appeared on camera and played a supporting character, mainly acting alongside other child actors. However, I haven’t had the opportunity to play a leading role or have substantial scenes yet.

It wasn’t until early during the filming of “The Box of Delights” that I truly understood the challenge. At the train station, Patrick and I shot a close-up scene where he transformed into an almost hypnotic presence. To this day, I can vividly recall the intensity in him, the sudden aliveness, and the captivating twinkle in his eyes.

What became of the child star of The Box of Delights?

In those scenes, you might notice that I didn’t excel as an actor, and much of what you see is a genuine reaction. It was fortunate for me to work with such talented individuals who took on the majority of the challenging parts. Many times, I found myself wrapped up and carried by them. They were incredibly generous, patient, and understanding, allowing me to explore my feelings and find the right emotions. Essentially, they guided me through the process. They were all incredibly supportive towards a young, inexperienced, and largely untalented actor.

RT: What age were you at that time?

Devin Stanfield: I had my 13th birthday on set, so I was 12 quite early into the shoot.

RT: What are your chief memories of making the series?

Devin Stanfield: Assuming this project turned out to be quite an undertaking. It consumed an entire year of my life, with additional time added due to factors like chicken pox, a strike, and technical issues, not to mention the weather playing its part with snowfall. In essence, it demanded more of my time than I initially expected, and a significant portion of it was spent either working alone, producing nothing on a blue screen setup for special effects, or braving the cold in snowy conditions or dark canals, or enduring hot temperatures in a Norfolk suit while constantly sweating.

Other children frequently entered and exited, performing unusual scenes, but I estimate I appeared in approximately 95% of the shots. The pace was unyielding, and the effort required was substantial. Despite this, it felt like a job, albeit one for which I’m grateful to have been selected. Reflecting on it now, I value the experience it provided me with the opportunity to collaborate with such remarkable individuals – primarily those on the technical team rather than the acting cast.

RT: So that steered you away from acting?

Devin Stanfield: I hail from a family deeply involved in theater. My grandfather, Leslie Sands, was well-known as both a playwright and an actor, while my mother worked as an actress and my father managed productions. Despite this, the industry didn’t hold much appeal for me. I sensed it wasn’t a pleasant profession, and I wasn’t particularly interested in pursuing it, as I didn’t believe I had the required talent.

It’s only now that I understand how extraordinary it was to be on set with greats like Renny Rye and a top-notch crew behind the scenes. BBC’s finest, indeed! The actors spent most of their time relaxing in caravans, only occasionally stepping out to follow instructions, while the real action – the decision-makers and the heart of the production – were hard at work. After hours, they were the ones keeping the party going in the bar.

It’s possible that my earlier exposure had an impact, whether I was aware of it or not, on my later professional path. For quite some time, I held positions as a technical director and production manager in both theatre and television. Currently, I oversee production for one of the UK’s leading scenic companies, working on high-profile projects such as X Factor, the BBC Olympics, Coriolanus at the National Theatre, and The Elixir of Love at the Coliseum. These are quite significant, high-profile undertakings.

Back in 1984, TopMob designed a chilling cover for The Box of Delights, making you its central focus. As a kid, what was it like seeing your face displayed prominently on every magazine stand?

Devin Stanfield: A complete nightmare! Being quite private and having no aspirations for fame or notoriety, I found myself in the limelight. However, I didn’t attend a prestigious private school; instead, I went to a typical comprehensive one. This made me stand out due to my unique haircut at that age, and once I hit 15/16, I grew my hair as long as possible and embraced rebellion in an attempt to shed this image. I was eager to break free from it.

RT: So you were you teased by your schoolmates?

Devin Stanfield: Terribly, I’m not convinced that being a child star is a wholesome experience. In hindsight, it may have done me more good than harm, but it can certainly make life challenging to be recognized, not just at school, but everywhere I go.

It’s clear that your relatives must feel a sense of accomplishment. After all, you mentioned that your mother is thrilled to feature in Chris’s latest documentary.

In response to your question: Indeed, yes. When Chris inquired about any memorabilia and photographs I might have, he believed the box was lost, with nothing remaining. However, they had given me one at the end of the shoot, which has been at my mother’s house all this time. I retrieved the box for Chris to film it. He seemed surprised to find it not wrapped nor carefully stored in a box. “It’s not even wrapped!” he exclaimed, as it had been damaged more on set. Chris later informed me that it might be worth quite a bit now.

“The Box of Delights remains a favorite for many – some fans even make it a tradition to watch it annually.

Devin Stanfield: Looking back on it now with a more mature perspective, I’m both moved and amazed at its longevity and the dedication of the fans. It’s heartwarming to know it holds such significance for them. I take great pride in having been part of something that has brought so much joy and satisfaction to so many people.

2024-11-25 12:04

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