SOLO!, a new film out this year that was directed by Watford’s Nic Cornwall and stars Tristam Summers, from Rickmansworth, has already won a number of awards.

The film has been doing the rounds at film festivals and despite the competition being fierce it has won awards at every one it’s been to so far including Best Actor (Tristam Summers) - Orlando Film Festival, Best Director (Nic Cornwall) - Orlando Film Festivalm Best Feature - Marbella International Film Festival, Best Comedy - Madrid Film Festival and Best Feature - Bristol Film Festival.

I spoke to Tristam, 34, to find out more…

Where did you go to school?

Merchant Taylors

Were you always interested in film?

I always loved film but completed a business degree 2:1 from University of Birmingham before committing to acting as a career.

Did you study it after leaving school?

I trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.

What work have you done before this?

I have worked on several feature films, notably starring alongside John Rhys-Davies (Lord of the Rings) as a detective in horror/supernatural thriller called ‘AUX’.

I have also recurred on Eastenders for 14 episodes as Tom Pepper as well as appearing in Lewis, Johnny English 3 and everyone’s favourite The Bill. I have worked extensively in the voiceover industry providing the voice of Apple for three years for all commercials as well as narrating & producing many audiobooks.

How did you get involved in the film?

I auditioned for the role (along with every other hopeful) and was fortunate enough to get it. I loved the script straight away.

Tell me about the storyline

Well it’s a romantic comedy musical about my character Barney - a young Englishman who arrives in a remote, run-down Spanish village and has to reform their band - before they find out that it was my dad who ruined the village in the first place.

How did it feel to win an award?

It was amazing as well as very surreal. I almost didn’t believe it as the competition was so fierce - after all it was a United States based film festival in Orlando with hundreds of other films entered. As well as being awarded Best Actor we were lucky enough to pick up Best Director too (Nic Cornwall - also born and raised in Watford). Despite receiving awards at Bristol Film Festival (best feature film), Marbella International Film Festival (best feature) and Madrid (best comedy) we didn’t expect it at all. It’s just nice to hear that you’re doing something right - that and that the film is so popular.

What’s next for you?

Next I’ll be in Tin Holiday which couldn’t be further from SOLO! - I play a gay, undercover Interpol agent infiltrating the Scottish Punjabi mafia. It’s a comedy caper & has impressed audiences at Fort Lauderdale film festival last month. I’ll also be appearing in Love Type D, which is a brilliant romantic comedy - both due for release next year.