When did you leave Chesterton Community College?

I left CCC in 2011.

What is your current job title or field?

I’m an actor. I work mostly in theatre, and am lucky enough to have performed at the National Theatre, the Bridge Theatre, the Donmar Warehouse, on the West End and on Broadway.

Did you know as a teenager which career you wanted to pursue or did you come to realise this later on?

I enjoyed lots of different subjects at school, but I think I knew deep down that acting was my passion. My favourite subjects were English, French, Drama and History – anything to do with words and the importance of words.

How did you start on your career?

I went on to study my favourite subjects at A Level and then headed to Oxford University to read English Language and Literature. I graduated in 2016 and was then fortunate enough to land my first part in a production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead at the Old Vic theatre in London. The play is by Tom Stoppard who I’d admired ever since I first read his work at sixth form, so it was very special to meet and work with him on my first professional gig as an actor.

What do you like about your job? High points?

One of my favourite things about acting is that I’m constantly meeting new people, learning to see things from different perspectives, and being inspired by other people’s creativity. Theatre is a collaborative project and I love being part of a team trying to create the most exciting, thrilling, thought-provoking experience for an audience. In terms of high points, I think opening night on Broadway is one of the most special nights I’ve had in my career so far!

What is the first advice you would give a student wanting to follow in this direction?

I’m just going to say it – acting is a really challenging and unstable profession. You have to keep your creativity and your excitement for the craft alive in the face of a lot of rejection, so try and find ways to keep getting inspired by the people and the art around you. This doesn’t have to be expensive – your local library, community centre, cinema and theatre should have free or discounted opportunities for young people to see and make art. In practical terms, I didn’t go to drama school but that is a great option for some people who want to be actors – it’s the most common way that people find agents, who are central to helping you find work and build a career.