Podcast

June 26th, 2025

The Apple Cart: S3, E2: How to be a More Versatile Creative

In this episode of the Apple Cart, I’m joined by Nick Field to talk about being a more versatile creative.

Nick is an actor, a voiceover artist, a presenter, and a comedian from London. He’s been hosting a music show on Essex radio station Phoenix FM since 2007. He moved into voiceovers and acting work in the mid 2010s, voicing over 500 online commercials and information videos.

He’s been in six feature films on Amazon Prime, You worked with the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, and made his stand-up comedy debut in 2023. He’s also been a magazine columnist and event speaker and host.

Listen to the Episode

How to Become a Voiceover Artist

Nick explains that he was inspired by the TV announcers of his childhood, but went first into radio presenting. As there wasn’t a career ladder as such in the world of radio, he decided to diversify and add voiceover artist to his CV.

“I worked with legendary TV announcer Gary Terrza to get my demo right, and then I started to apply on freelancer sites for jobs. And it really snowballed from there. But I think there were two things that helped me to stand out and get noticed.

“First, I speak in an RP accent but I’m from Romford – it’s not how people usually sound. And because I’d listened to so many late-night radio shows, I’d learned that ‘radio voice’ that the DJs all had.” Nick recommends practicing as much as you can, and sharing about your projects on social media.

Being Creative as an Actor

While browsing freelance sites for work, Nick noticed that there were also adverts for acting roles. “I thought, ‘I might as well apply for those too’, so I did. Sometimes I’m in a student production or an independent film, and occasionally I do an audition in my bedroom!

“But I like seeing what’s out there and trying new things. Obviously, don’t apply for things you’re not suitable for, but don’t be afraid to audition for something different. People worry about being typecast, but you start with what you’ve got and go from there.

“I get cast as authority figures quite a lot – police officers, teachers and so on. I WAS a teacher for several years so that’s fine. Make sure you’re not a diva and chat to the crew as well as the other actors. It’s about making connections and finding new opportunities.”

versatile creative

How Nick Became a Standup Comedian

Nick explains that he got into stand-up comedy by accident. “I did a charity event where a bunch of us did stand up for the first time. And then I started booking more gigs at open mic events in London – there’s loads of them.

“As with acting, chat to everyone, and don’t be ashamed of telling people you’re new, because everyone was the newcomer once upon a time.” Nick describes his comedy style as observational, drawn from real life: “Again, start with what you’ve got.

“I’ve been a teacher, an actor, a VO and been asked to do and say some weird things, so that comes into my set. And of course I don’t sound like I’m from Romford, so I talk about that too. People have all kinds of perceptions of what you do and where you’re from, and it’s fun to play on that.”

How to be More Creative

Whatever creative endeavour you want to try, Nick recommends finding people who can help you to explore it. “For instance, I like to act but I’m not good at writing scripts. So I can find writers who aren’t great actors and work with them to bring their story to life.

“It’s easier than ever to find communities and ways to get involved. If you’re just starting out and looking for opportunities, then be open and tell people. You’ll be surprised at who or what they know, and they’ll try to help.

“And be honest with yourself. If you really believe that you have something to offer, then bring it to the table. We all specialise in different things and have varied experiences, so I think we all have something new to share.”

Timestamps

  • 01:59- 04:44: How Nick became a radio presenter
  • 04:52 – 08:45: Moving into voiceover work
  • 10:35 – 15:32: How Nick became an actor
  • 16:14 – 18:25 Advice for becoming a voiceover artist
  • 18:32 – 19:50: Getting into acting
  • 19:58 – 22:26: Accidentally becoming a stand-up comedian
  • 23:01 – 25:50: Does a regional accent matter these days?
  • 26:28 -32:02: Nick’s comedy style
  • 32:22 – 35:31: How to be more creative

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