What do you enjoy most about teaching Drama at Jigsaw Stevenage?
I currently teach Drama at Jigsaw Stevenage and am enjoying every moment of it! I love giving my students the power to create and expand on their own knowledge through devising and collaboration. I always begin my lessons with a ‘Check in’ where my students get to answer questions such as “Describe your week in 3 words”, “What is your favourite musical at the moment?” or “Give me your best joke”. These talking points always spark conversation and a strong sense of community within the classroom. Besides skill, successful actors are the ones who always look after their fellow cast mates. If they want to be No.1 on the call sheet, it starts with these very actions of teamwork and kindness. I enjoy these conversations the most as they usually end up in laughter. Once ‘Check in’ is closed, we then head into devising and expand our skills further. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and watching my students grow.
What do you do when not at Jigsaw Stevenage?
I currently train at Emil Dale Academy on their prestigious Ba(Hons) Musical Theatre degree. I train from 8am till 5 pm in areas such as; acting through song; physical acting; acting; ballet; tap; jazz; commercial; contemporary; voice; ensemble singing; and much more. This wide range of training allows me to not only teach aspiring performers, but to also take varying avenues into the industry. For example, outside of training, I am currently expanding on my knowledge of music by writing my own songs and accompanying them on guitar. You will often find me in local open mic nights and festivals performing. More obviously, when out of training you will find me in many amateur musical theatre shows. Last year I performed in productions of Les Misérables at Grantham Guildhall Arts Centre and of Evita at the Newark Palace Theatre. I also intend to perform a production of Guys and Dolls this Summer.
Favourite TV show to watch?
This has in fact been a very popular ‘check in’ question throughout my time teaching at Jigsaw and I am yet to give a strong definitive answer. It is safe to say I am not an avid ‘rewatcher’ of TV programmes on repeat,because my list of shows I need to watch is extensive!Therefore, everything I watch is great television. I am a big fan of any action thriller series such as; Jack Reacher, on Prime Video; Night Action, on Netflix; or Jack Ryan, on Prime Video. The list could go on. Contrastingly, I enjoy TV shows which can make me laugh such as; Last One Laughing, on Prime Video; or Would I Lie to You? On BBC One. These are Hilarious watches!
If there was a film based on your life, who would play you?
If there was a film based on my whole life, including what’s yet to come, there would probably be 3 actors cast. One for little me, one for me now and one for older me. If I could cast Little me now, I would probably pickJacob Tremblay, who played Auggie in Wonder, on Netflix. I really like the idea of filming the ‘me now’ section of my life as myself just after it happens and then having to wait years to film the end of my life. I would love for Rod Stewart to play ‘older me’ but I fear once older me has lived Rod Stewart would have to be around 150 years old which is highly unlikely!
Who is your Favourite Actor?
I really enjoy watching Tom Hardy tackle roles such as the Kray twins in the film Legend on Netflix; and Venom in the film Venom, on Disney+. These films are both action movies which include his characters being notoriously funny. Tom Hardy has a great way of connecting deep emotions with a character’s humour and I envy that as an actor. It is one thing to be able to do either separately but together… It is simply astounding.
What is your favourite Musical Theatre song?
I love watching a good heart throb musical theatre song. Two that come to mind straight away are; ‘With You’ from Ghost the Musical and ‘These are my Children’ from Fame. Watching these actors go through an emotional journey on stage is mesmerising, I would definitely recommend.
Which show would you most like to perform in?
I would LOVE to perform in Les Misérables on the west end. From Javert to Thenardier to the incredible ensemble. Anything Les Misérables, I’m in! Javert’s story is captivating as he struggles between his own morals and his duty to God. He may seem stern, but deep down he is a mess. Similarly, I would love to play the comedic relief of the play, Thenardier, who is a drunkard thief alongside his wife Madame Thenardier. Their song, Master of the House, is an actor’s playground with strong satire and a reflection on modern society. Lastly, Les Misérables has so many amazing ensemble numbers. From ‘Do you hear the people sing’ to ‘One Day More’ to ‘Drink with me’. I wish I could be in it all!
Learn more about the team and the drama classes at Jigsaw Stevenage here – https://www.jigsaw-arts.co.uk/franchise/stevenage
