“I am half Jamaican and half Irish!”
What kind of actor do you aspire to be?
A generous actor, a reliable actor, someone you can count on. I aspire to be an actor that pushes the boundaries of what we consider normal by challenging social and racial constraints that are frankly, outdated. One that can move people into a space of reflection.
What performance piece did you choose for the showcase and why?
The performance piece I chose was from the Black Mirror episode “15,000,000 merits”. I chose this piece because it resonated with me on such a deep level. The problems that my character have with the world in the piece are similar to the problems I have with the world and to be able to channel that was very liberating indeed.
What book, theatre, film or TV production has most inspired you?
It would have to be ‘snowfall’. Aside from the mastery of acting on display through out the show, what deeply inspired me was the possibility of a young black actor (Damson Idris) from the same sort of circumstance I was raised in making into such a position. I watched him in awe the whole time thinking “this guy is where I want to be and if he can do it then there just might be hope for me”.
How have you been keeping creative during lockdown?
I have found that relaxing in the bath with a good book does wonders to open up the imagination and it is something I’ve been doing a lot over the lockdown. This and dancing a lot in the mirror has managed to keep me sane!
What advice would you give for anyone else preparing for a showcase?
What I would say is trust yourself. Trust that you are there for a reason and that you have something to offer that is your truth, the rest doesn’t matter.
What do you hope to be doing this time next year?
This time next year I hope to be working as a professional actor, whether that be in Theatre, TV, or Film. I want to be making my claim to the industry that keeps my heart beating.