FOR MY TALENTED FRIENDS . . .

So this week is dedicated completely & utterly to my talented & incredibly underestimated friends. Katie Filmer, a friend of mine sent me a text just the other day which almost made me break out into tears. She told me she was proud of what i'm doing in life (although i'm not even nearly where I aim to be), and that just reading my blog inspires her to push for what she wants to achieve. It really warmed my heart to know that even though i'm still classed as an ammature performer, my friends are inspired by me and appreciate the hard work i'm doing to get out there.

Now for some weird reason it wasn't until after this that i realised how inspired I am by all my super talented and ambitious friends. It is they who also inspire me to push for what I want. I was browsing Facebook one day and came across Kyla Frye's blog when I thought . . . Hey! Cerise! You studied journalism for 4 years and got a degree in it. Why not excerize your writing skills and document your rather exciting life at the same time??

Also whilst browsing Facebook, I always find myself listening to songs & watching music video's, watching comedy sketches and monologues, adding dates for shows to my diary when i realised, they're all my friends. There are so many talented people within my circle who are all so super modest and humble, which I adore, so I thought why not make their heads swell a little and show them all how much they inspire me. 

First, Tito Fagbenle.

I met Tito at Identity Drama School. My most memorable experience with Tito has to be the November Showcase we all looked forward to. He performed the craziest funniest monologue in which I fit into perfectly, as my monologue was just as crazy (OK maybe a little crazier). He is super super talented and often records his own comedy sketches embodying his own made up character 'King Bufo'. He also has a hidden talent I only recently found out about. He is the most amazing singer I've come across in the longest time. Here's a little of what he does. Be prepared to be amazed!!

Tito Singing a Cover of "Someone Like You" By Adele

                                                                                    

Suscribe To Tito's YouTube Channel to see His Comedy Sketches!! They are Hilarious! :)

https://www.youtube.com/user/hereforyourcookie

Katie Filmer & Chris Andrade

Now these special multi talented people need a shout out and a half!!

I met this lovely duo after becoming part of 'Chances' live drama. Chris Andrade being the director and one of the three writers of the play, and Katie being assistant and one of the writers. Not only do they dabble in stage but they are musical genius's. If you haven't already listened to their newest single 'Shot Him Down' you are seriously missing out!! This is a BANGER!! No exaggeration!! Check It out!!

http://soundcloud.com/heartbeatsmusic/shot-him-down

Next, Elijah Baker.  

I met Elijah aka 'Ellie Jah' also at Identity Drama School but became close after meeting again when I joined the cast of 'Chances'. Elijah is a fabulously talented and very ambitious actor. Always coming up with ideas of things to do to keep each other motivated in terms of writing and filming short scenes for show reel purposes, short films, freestyle monologue competitions. He's also a musician but incredibly modest. You would never know about his professional work unless you did some digging of your own. Here is a little show reel of his work he recently put together himself. Check it out!

Also check out Ellie's YouTube channel and listen to his music . . . Multi-talented I tell ya :)

www.youtube.com/user/collectiveinspired

     

Next Arinze Kene.

This super duper multi talented man just simply couldn't go unmentioned. Established actor and award winning playwrite, he's an inspiration to so many of us. I met Arinze also at Identity Drama School, bumped into him again after working as an extra on his feature film "Freestyle",  but was lucky enough to be casted in his second play "SUFFOCATION" In January at the Oval House Theatre. It was such a popular show. It ran for four nights as part of the 33% London festival. Every night sold out before the shows even begun. It did get a whole load of press attention. There was even a photo of me on the BBC website which is something that I must admit got me rather excited lol.

It was such a pleasure to be part of. I must say it was the most emotionally challenging plays I've ever taken part in. The characters were so well written, after breaking down each section of the one act piece with the cast of 8 and our Director Toby Clarke, we realised just how much thought went into it. 

Check Out Arinze's Interview with the BBC about his writing.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12154937

Incredibly humble and a genuinely great guy. His next show "Little Baby Jesus" is at the Oval House Theatre from 25th May till 15th June.

Arinze's Interview with Live Magazine & Truth About Youth Apprentice's

Michael Salami 

Now there won't be many of you who haven't heard of this guy! Mostly well known for his crazy weirdo antics :). Another up and coming super talented actor. and another person I met at Identity Drama School. Already this year myself and Shmichael have featured in three productions 'Suffoctaion' by Arinze Kene. 'Kettled Passions' By Omar Khairy. 'Chances' By Chris Andrade & Aniekan Enoh. Believe it or not, we still have two more plays coming up in which we will be be in this July (keep posted within the next month to find out more). Michael Recently won the all so famous 'Monologue Slam' and has also recently begun the creation his own business/company entitled 'ACTON ACTION' . . . I'm pretty sure you'll be hearing a lot more about that soon. A extremely inspiring and ambitious man who has a drive for success. Watch out! He's gonna be a big one!

Add his Facebook Support Page!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michael-Salami/197583950260558

Kylie Bynoe 

Another hidden talent and definitely one to watch out for!I first Met Kylie on a crazy holiday back in 2008, But had no idea of his creative ambitions until I explored myself. He's a musical genius! Listening to his music you are instantly drawn to his lyrics. He is too a comedy genius and one of funniest guys I've ever met. You'll see what I mean if you check out some of his sketches below. Check out his most recent Comedy sketch, and his new Album 'Heartbrake Klayze'. Please be warned you may stop breathing from excessive laughter! . . . and put his album on repeat all day long (but that's not a bad thing). Don't skip it! Enjoy it!!

"You can't Sketch This Teletubbies. Where are They Now?"                       

Part 1 

                                                                                                                              

Watch Parts 2 & 3 On YouTube Channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f1wiamKhYg&feature=related

 . . and to listen to Kylie's Latest Album, Click on the link below!   

klayzeflaymz.bandcamp.com

Nathan Bryon 

Definitely a talented and ambitious guy all rolled in one! An actor and writer!If you haven't heard of him you must have seen his sketches. Alongside Stuart Harris-Tench Nathan runs his own comedy company called 'KoolBeans' (I reckon it's a pretty Kool name. . . see what I did there?). Without fail I always break down in laughter. I first met Nathan through my younger sister Lola Reid but she didn't tell me about how talented he was until of course I discovered the gift of Facebook promotion :). I am so lucky and over excited about working with Nathan over the next couple of months on sketches for the BBC, I just hope I do them justice. There is no way I couldn't share a few with you all.

My Favourite Ever Koolbeans Sketch!!

. . . and add the Koolbeans fan page!!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kool-Beanz-Productions/171891649520838

. . . subscribe to their YouTube channel

http://www.youtube.com/ProducedByKoolBeanz

Kyla Frye 

Now this lady is one I like to call a 'Super Woman'. 23 and doing so much with her career. A model, and award winning actress, and a talent for singing. I met Kyla at Identity Drama school but became friends after both attending Roehampton University. She was very close friends with my house mates and i often heard her singing songs in the shower lol. Kyla inspires me a whole load. I follow her blog every Friday. . . 'Frye's Fridays' which inspired me to start writing my blog. She is so modest about all the work she does, always busy working on a film or a play I strive to do the same.

Check Out Kyla's Interview with Live magazine

 

Check Out Her Website, Also Featuring Her Weekly Blog!

www.kyla-frye.com

Arnold Oceng 

I'm pretty sure I wont be telling you anything you don't already know, but this is another super multi talented man who is incredibly inspiring. After meeting Arnold a few months ago through my friend Chabris Napier-Lawrence (another woman to watch out for), I learned just how modest and humble he is about his work and how he doesn't class himself as having yet made it. An actor and musician going by the name of 'Snakey Man' in that department he has been on the rise with song after song being released, and movie after movie. It is every actors dream to be constantly in work, we all know it's a tough industry to break and Arnold has done just that. These are probably video's you've already seen but i'll share them anyway!

Arnold Speaks About Success

Also Join Arnolds Facebook Fan Page!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Arnold-Oceng/19785343051

Malachi Kirby

My boy Malachi has to be the most humble people I have ever met. Another friend I originally met at Identity Drama School (I can't think of who hasn't been there lol). We became close friends after both taking part in Musical Drama 'Don't Believe the Hype' in 2009. Mal recently finished the five month tour of incredibly popular play 'Mogadishu'. Staring in programmes such as Silent Witness and so many more. He is of course an inspiration to me.

Add Mal's Facebook Support Page!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Malachi-Kirby/181816358505502

Roy Weise 

My oldest & closest friend couldn't go unmentioned, I doubt he has any idea how much he inspires me. All round multi talented do it all man! Singer, Actor, Writer and Director Roy is definitely going places. We first met at the age of 13 at Oval House Theatre (where my love for all things creative first begun). We were part of the 'Summer School' in which we created a play over our summer holidays lead by another  very inspirational man close to my heart Nicholai La Barrie. Roy and myself dabbled between music classes and drama and even dance. We've been through so much together both professionally and personally and i'm so proud to call him my friend. Roy is now part of a extraordinary band called 'Mangoseeds' alongside two of my past mentors Karlos Cole and Nicholai La Barrie. He's a playwrite and an established director. He works very hard to get where he's going and he's always there supporting his friends. This is for you Roy ♥♥♥ 
Roy has a show coming up this week at Rose Buford College of Speech & Drama. Check Out The Events Page!
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=214599605236495

Tinie Tempah

There was no way I could write and dedicate a blog to inspirational friends without mentioning Mr. Tinie Tempah aka Patrick aka Postman Pat! After years of making underground music and working hard to get out there, he's finally well and truly done it! He's broken into and taken over the UK Music scene and even cracked America, I can't think of many UK artists who have done that. I think back to the college days 'SFX' where we first met and became close friends. I remember not knowing a whole lot about grime music and artists back then, I was so far from cool lol (I sorta still am uncool). I had no idea who "Tinie Tempah" was but the title had started flying around college after a while but I had no idea who they were on about. he wasn't too offended by that though lol. It wasn't until he gave me his first mix tape 'Chapter 1 Verse 1 -22' that I realised what all the fuss was about. A lyrical genius!  He told me confidently he would make it. Goes to show if you put your mind to it, it really does work. Now although I haven't bumped into or spoken to Pat in a couple of years, I have watched him grow as an artist and burst with pride every time I see his picture on a bill board somewhere, or hear a bunch of Chinese ladies singing 'Pass Out' on the back of the bus. It simply makes me smile inside to know and to have seen first hand, where he was coming from, and where he has got to. He worked for it, and he got it! Now if there ever was a person who inspires me, it's most definitely him!

Now, if I wrote a paragraph about all of the talented inspirational in my life I would be writing forever, but before I conclude I must mention these people.

• Toby Bakare
• Shavani Seth
• Stef O'Driscol
• Tyrone Grosvenor
• Anneka Goldbourne
• Selom Awedzi
• Ashden Oke
• Paris Campell
• Chabris Napier-Lawrence
• Kadeem Boyce
• Joel Mclean
• Rosie Christian
• Jamal Townsend
• Aiesha Lindsay
• Dupe 'Coco Darlz'
• David Ajao
• Emmanuel Jatto
• Jaycub Boston
•  Aaron Deacon                                                                                                                                                                       

 . . . and all my friends who are stretching to achieve their dreams. You all inspire me! You're all gonna go sooo far! I just know it! :)

♥

Top Model For A Day

Glamorous?? I Think Not!

What A Month!! This year has been literally "NUTS" for me. I've had sooo much to do. With shows & performances one after another. Being busy doing what I love is a complete blessing so I would never complain. My latest show 'Since You've Been Gone' The Musical wrapped just last night & I must say the cast and band ended it with a massive BANG!!                                                                

During Rehearsals for that show I somehow managed to squeeze in a favour for an old friend of mine Kamila Jones who is currently studying fashion & design at Coventry University. She needed a model and asked me. I was honored of course & said yes. But I must say modelling and fashion is very far from the glamour and sparkle I originally thought it was. I've done a few favour's in the way of modelling before. But only cozy warm studio's and stuff like that. 

As a huge fan of shows such as "Americas Next Top Model" I often watched but couldn't relate to how much the models moaned and cried about being cold or making a black bag look good. But after I experienced posing through freezing cold and pouring rain in little clothing made of waterproof materials, & still having to give the photographer something to work with whilst making neon coloured clothing look good, I put my hands up and apologize for criticizing them. I take my hat off to them all.

My day begun at 4 am after only getting two hours sleep. I left home for Victoria coach station for the 2 hour drive to Coventry to meet my friend, designer Kamilla Jones.  After a little breakfast, tea and a catch up, we made our way to Coventry coach station to set off on another 2 hour journey to Yorkshire. I know right. Yorkshire sculpture park to be exact. I put on the fabulous sculpture inspired outfit Kamila deigned, touched up my make up, added accessories and was ready to go do my thing, when BOOM!! It decided to pour down with rain and all i could think of was my hair. But the show must go on right? We set off out in the huge park and found many different locations to shoot. We made the most of the beautiful scenery and sculptures.

I must admit i felt like a bit of a super model. I had two . . . yes two photographers, Gov Chima & Damola Sowole, who both definitely had an eye for a great shot. (Who do I think I am these days eh?)

It stopped raining & all was well, until I was asked to stand on a very high & narrow pillar next to very steep stairs in extreme wind. Firstly I'm terrified of heights, secondly i don't weigh very much so that wind could have well pushed me off. After that we moved onto shooting under a beautiful tree in which the ground was very soft so my heels kept on sinking. Then we all walked a long distance through a bit of a meadow to find some sculptures in which there were a countless amount of sheep just hanging out. . . yes! Sheep!

I couldn't take my eyes off the ground as there was sheep excretion everywhere & I really wasn't up for stepping in anything unpleasant. The rain started again, my feet hurt. I had goosebumps all over, my hair was frizzing up & the sheep smelled awful & looked quite angry when we got too close. My heels constantly got stuck in the mud & my eyes were watering from the harsh wind.

Glamorous? I think not! Two hours sleep and a eight & a half hour journey there and back. But! My day didn't end there. I got back to London at half past Nine and went straight to band rehearsals. Core! But surprisingly the photos came out not too bad considering, if i may say so myself. 
I had brilliant company and it was definitely a day to remember. I couldn't tell this story without pictures to support so here are a few of the many more to come Professional shots.

Thanks for reading :)

♥

AND . . . JUST A FEW OF THE PRO SHOTS 

'SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE' The Musical

Tomorrow It Begins!!!

"The Ties We Have Last A Life Time, But The Bond Of Sisterhood Is Eternal" 

The cast have been working super hard rehearsing lines, dances, & of course, what's a musical without the songs. Our amazing, super talented LIVE BAND have also been hard at it & i'm super excited!!

 The Story Follows Three Sisters After The Death Of Their Mother & The Reappearance Of Their Estranged Father.

Monica: The eldest of the three, seeks to maintain the family dynamics by taking on the role that her mother left.

Middle Sister Kerri (Played By Me Cerise Reid) is out to have the time of her life, neglecting all responsibilities & going with the flow she focuses on boys and beauty school.

Meanwhile younger sister Rachel, is left on the sidelines to discover life on her own. 

This Witty yet thought provoking insight into love, loss and life unfolds with a fusion of the arts, it hopes to engage, excite & of course entertain. 

The Show Starts TOMORROW, Wednesday 18th, Thursday 19th & Friday 20th May 

@ The Lost Theatre

208 Wandsworth Road 

London

Tickets Are £10 . . . £8 with NUS Card

Book Online http://www.losttheatre.co.uk/whatson/forthcomingshows/forthcomingshows

I also have a few tickets left for Friday so if you don't want to risk paying on the door, booking online or Calling the Box Office (08448471680) . . . You can call me :)

Check Out The Trailer. Hope To See You There!! XxX

Creative Juices . . .

Freestyle . . . . 

Monologues??

Sooo . . . If you haven't already seen them, you will now.

A friend of mine, & fellow actor Elijah Baker, came up with an amazing idea. We all know that Mc's/Rappers Comedians and even Poets freestyle when it comes to performances. But not very often do you hear about actors freestyling. He freestyled a monologue based on the topic of prison. He put the idea to our circle to all get involved. We decided to to keep it moving when we aren't working and keep our creative juices and skills flowing and record our own freestyled monologues every now and then to a given topic. Also "send for" a fellow actor in the team in which we would respond to.

Seeing As Elijah Baker already set the trend on the topic of Prison, that was our First Topic to freestyle about.

Have a look at em and enjoy . . . feedback would be great as we always want to improve. Subscribe To YouTube Channel 'actonaction11' To Watch, Or just watch em below. . . & also subscribe to My YouTube Channel 'Ceeceereid' to see more of what I've been doing. Thanks & Enjoy!! XxX

Actor: Kadeem Boyce

                                                               

Actor: Elijah Baker    

    

Actor: Cerise Reid          

    

    

Actor: Michael Salami                                                                

    

   

CH>NCES Visit Swear Down Radio Station . . .

CH>NCES IS FAR FROM OVER

Well I must say, last week was a crazy non-stop week for me, and this week is already set to be no different. I went from rehearsing for two separates shows coming up this year, to going to the theatre to enjoy British Excellence. From celebrating special birthdays to going to auditions, planning exciting projects & just hanging out with my wacky friends on the river Thames . . . .(totally random i know). But I must say the highlight of my week was my radio interview with Swear down Radio to promote the next touring show of the all so popular Live Drama 'CH>NCES'. Myself, Michael Salami & Aniekan Enoh visited the compact studio in South London as representatives for the large and talented cast of Ch>nces, for a bit of a chat about the show. Little did I know we would be getting way more than we bargained for. It was an exciting lively evening with the Swear Down Team, and we somehow ended up getting sucked into answering listeners general questions about life, love and relationships. . . I must admit, as one of the two women in the male dominated room it was very interesting listening to gossip from the opposite sex . . .

I manged to capture some shots, and film a few moments on camera to share with you guys. Plus the actual podcast so you can listen to the entire show. You lucky people you :).   

The Rule Of 'Ultimate Confidence'  Random Gossip LOL  

        

Yakes Talks About The Future Of CH>NCES 

                  

Click On The Link Below To Listen to the Entire Show 

https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aculcoradio.com%2Fpodcast%2Fplayer%2Fmp3%2FSwear%2520Down%2F201105040SwearDownseventhProgrammeftCHANCES2h1m37s.mp3&h=77771

                                                                                     

A Few Pics From The First Run Of The Show CH>NCES in March

CH>NCES Perform @ South Bank 

AND . . . If You Haven't Already Seen It . . .

                   To Keep Updated With The Next Steps For CH>NCES, Check Out The Website

                                                    www.chancesdrama.com