A FORDINGBRIDGE dancer who played the role of Ken in the new Barbie film has shared his experience of acting on set.

Richard Womersley worked alongside Ryan Gosling during the three months of filming he was involved with.

It was the 24-year-old's biggest "major" job of his dancing career after graduating from Performers College Essex before the Covid pandemic.

AJK, Richard's agency, reached out to Warner Bro's with his headshot and portfolio when a request for more extras was posted.

Richard told the Forest Journal how he was "oblivious" to how big the film was going to be until he arrived at the studio in Watford on March 7, 2022.

Bournemouth Echo: Richard dressed as Ken outside the studio.Richard dressed as Ken outside the studio. (Image: Richard Womersley)

Alongside 29 other 'Kens', Richard spent one week learning the choreography for his beach and dream scenes, during which he was taught sword fighting with the stunt team.

He said: "I was not told that much but when I was working on set it was in one of the big rooms. All the props needed to look fake and the people look real. It added a comedy aspect to the film.

"We weren't allowed to know the storyline, only the scenes we were in."

Richard, who has danced from the age of three, was part of the big dance break during Ryan Gosling's singing solo and met Margot Robbie during filming.

“They’re both very down-to-earth people. It was like a big family," he said.

Mornings started with a 4.30am wake-up so that everyone could be in the hair and make-up studio for 6am.

Bournemouth Echo: Richard in the hair and make-up studio.Richard in the hair and make-up studio. (Image: Richard Womersley)

Richard explained how every Ken had to be shaven from "head to toe" and covered in body paint to look like dolls. 

His favourite part of filming was the "rush" he got when the director was counting down. Richard added: "It was the adrenaline rush you get because you’re so nervous and excited.

"We knew we had a job to do and it was hard work but we made it fun. You had to be on your a-game but it was just an incredible opportunity."

Director Greta Gerwig has made history with Barbie since the film made £293m during its opening weekend, the largest debut of any film directed by a woman.

During Richard's time in the studio, he worked closely with Greta and described her as “really friendly" and someone who "wants the best out of people".

He added: "The main point of the film is it was inclusive for everyone. There were so many types of Barbies and Kens."