“I’m from Peckham and have lived there my whole life, so going to study in Cardiff was a bit of a culture shock for me but I like to think I’ve made the most of the experience. As well as desperately wanting to act, I’m also an aspiring stand-up comic and I put on comedy shows every month with my theatre company On The Common at The George Tavern in Shadwell. We showcase not just our own desire to make people laugh, but many other young comedians as well. I’d probably say making people laugh is one of my favourite things to do.”
What kind of actor do you aspire to be?
I’m a massive fan of the TV show Atlanta and find Donald Glover as an artist incredibly inspiring. How someone can be so talented at everything they do genuinely blows my mind. If I could even have a slither of the talent this man has in his pinky toe then I reckon I’d be alright to be honest. I aspire to join the great Peckham lineage of actors such as Ashley Walters, John Boyega, Damson Idris, Samson Kayo and many others. Ultimately though, I just want to be an actor who is fearless and respected by his peers.
What performance piece did you choose for the showcase and why?
I chose the opening speech from the play An Octoroon by Branden Jacob-Jenkins. I find the opening speech interesting and provocative, and it gives me a lot to play with. It’s also pretty funny which is a plus.
What book, theatre, film or TV production has most inspired you?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved comic books and even now I’m not ashamed to admit that. I think that The Boys on Amazon Prime is one of the best shows on TV right now and has adapted its source material to be relevant. It combines the fantasy of the genre with satire and social commentary that is thought-provoking and hilarious but also bleak at times which I also enjoy. The performances are really engaging especially one of the leads – Anthony Starr – who is ridiculously good in it.
How do you keep creative?
I always find that when I take time away from thinking about acting or stand-up, I feel motivated and refreshed once I get back into the swing of things. Having the self-awareness to sometimes take a step back and just focus on the people around me either at work or at home is not only relaxing but also a great source of material. Like a lot of comedians, I tell jokes about my family and friends and trying to see the funny side of most situations I’m in is something I’ve grown up doing and I like to think that keeps me creative.
What is the dream role you’d love to play?
I’d say my dream role would be something like Daniel Kaluuya’s character in the film Get Out. Or any opportunity to work with Jordan Peele really. His telling of black stories through a blend of horror and comedy really resonates with me. I find the reality he reflects in his films of the black experience, slowly breaking down into fantastical chaos exciting. I’d love to perform in something he’d written or directed of that ilk.
What do you hope to be doing this time next year?
This time next year I hope to be smarter than I am now. I hope to take any opportunity I can to learn something new. And hopefully, after having been living away from home, being back in London for a year will give me all the chances to do so. I’m still only 22 so if by the time I’m 23 I’m not starring in TV shows or plays I’d like to think that won’t get me down but we can only wait and see. I just wish to be showing some signs of my career progressing in a way that I can be proud of.