Like banking, acting is competitive and brutal, at times.
Hes using the 4G on his phone for our Zoom call, as his Wi-Fi is not yet connected.
Im very impatient and ambitious, but youve got to be, he reasons.
Were speaking ahead of the hotly-anticipated UK release ofIndustrySeason 2.
Much has changed in the post-lockdown climate, with Lawteys character Robert Spearing among the most notable transformations.
Lawtey, 25, welcomed the chance to explore another side of his character.
Its laid bare in a much more honest way.
Its nice to play a character that you sympathise with.
Lawtey, however, didnt feel an immediate difference in his life upon the series airing.
We were in a very strict lockdown at the time.
It wasnt a social time, or one for celebration, which was confusing.
We [the cast] had a Zoom call after the first episode came out.
It felt a little bit underwhelming, you know.
Im not proud of that.
Its a shame for me, and its something I need to try and get better at.
You should be able to take satisfaction from something that youve helped to make.
Whats the point, in a way, if you cant participate in it?
When it comes toIndustry, Lawtey would be forgiven for finding some scenes more uncomfortable than others to watch.
In Season 1, viewers were both appalled and compelled by the exchanges his character took part in.
The show takes an unapologetic, celebratory approach to sex, championing both male and female pleasure.
And Robert doesnt shy away from anything.
The actor laughs, telling me: Yeah, every week.
Part of the challenge of being on our show is that the script will always surprise you.
Its always a fun thing to overcome.
Theres a real process in place for staging those scenes from start to finish, Lawtey remarks.
We all have a shared language for it now.
Its a sweet moment, almost, however, their relationship soon sours.
It cant help but make you shudder a little.
He feels recognised by her in a way that is both frightening and encouraging at the same time.
As Lawtey notes, the price of success is at the crux of the show.
Has this changed his own personal views on money and success, I ask.
The actor smiles when I mention the cameo.
My dads an aircraft engineer in the military, so this isnt his world at all.
But hes always really loved amateur dramatics, Lawtey reveals.
Eager to help his dad realise his dream, the actor asked if there were any extra roles going.
As luck would have it, the team was looking for someone to play a mailman.
Wrapping your last scene is always a nice moment on set.
And my dad was there for mine, which made me really happy and proud, he recalls.
And the actor is hoping to make it a tradition.
I try and get him into everything now.
Thats my mission, he laughs.
Its a bit likeWheres Wally?
Ever the supportive parents, Lawteys mum and dad very much enjoy watchingIndustry.
Theyre not prudish at all.
Theyre really fun and cool, the actor states, proudly.
I recently introduced them toEuphoria, and my dad said, Its like an AmericanTrainspotting.
But how do his folks deal with Lawteys more, ahem, revealing scenes on the show?
I couldnt believe they let me in, he says, self-deprecatingly.
Lawtey also takes the lead in upcoming ITVX dramaYou & Me,produced byRussell T Davies.
The title will see British actorMaxine Peaketake on the title role, with Lawtey portraying her on-screen son.
To be part of a project that feels current and meaningful is a privilege.
And with that, Lawtey is off to dominate the one industry he has always dreamed of occupying.
This article was originally published onSep.
