JULY!! BE THERE OR BE RECTANGLE!! :)

I can't believe it's been two whole weeks since I've sat down and written away on my blog. It has been a efficiently busy time for me as July is soon to arrive, and July is jam packed with all things creative. With two plays one following the very next week after the first, I've had a lot of work to do. So much in fact that I've had to accept the fact that i'm not super woman, I can't do it all, and even had to turn down roles. Remember CH>NCES? Well it's back, this July but I wont be performing in this run as it clashes with my other July shows. I wish I could do it all but it has taught me to make and take professional decisions regardless of how difficult it can be. But on a lighter note it is just 2 weeks until my first performance of July and I'm plenty excited. But before I talk your ears off about it all, I found a day to rest. A day at home alone and I got quite bored. So i decided to learn a new monologue, a funny one, then decided to record it to see how it looked, then got a lil bit crazy with Windows Movie Maker and stylized it. I make myself laugh sometimes. Take a look at it and lemme know what you think.

Right, getting back to the point of this weeks blog lol. Oval House Theatre is a place that is very close to my heart. It's where I first discovered my love and talent for acting. I was introduced to the theatre at the age of just 11 and they haven't been able to get rid of me since. Oval House introduced me to some of the most beneficial opportunities, and although over the years I have branched off to other Drama companies, I always seem to come back just at the right time. I started back in September of last year after a 2 year break from there, and got casted in Arinze Kene's 'Suffocation', and the blessings have just flown from there. Directors and writers who came to see it, followed me up and casted me in there short pieces for other performances such as Lyric Lounge and the Comedy sketch I filmed  earlier this month. Oval House is also popular for all three of Arinze Kene's plays. 'Estate Walls', 'Suffocation' and recently 'Little Baby Jesus'. Also popular for their Art Gallery space, their amazing Caribbean Cafe, and just the laid back atmosphere it provides for anyone who comes in. Oval House has lighted up my life and i'm so pleased that because of Oval House Theatre, (although I don't have an agent yet) I'm still working. 

Remember me mentioning i'd have two shows and two screenings in July? Well I now have the details as to how and where you can book your tickets for them all. And guess what? They are as cheap as chips!
"Truth About Youth" is a title i'm sure you've heard floating around for the past few months. Just in case you still have no idea of what it is about, I'll give you a quick brief. Oval House Theatre teamed up with the Co-operative Foundation in September last year, to challenge peoples negative perceptions of 
young people in London. 

They gave Oval House £280,000 to do this. And this we most certainly have, with the fabulous direction of Toby Clarke, the Head of Youth Arts at Oval House Theatre, and Director of the two plays I have coming up. . . . (he also directed Suffocation), he's fab he is. We have put on amazing evenings such as 'Come Rhyme with Me'. An original fusion of poetry, Caribbean dinner, live music and drama, with much more in between, such as countless workshops with poets, comedians and physical theatre artists. We are ending the Term with a massive bang! With Four major events to watch out for. The first three of which I am in. 

1. The first Show is 

'D' 

13th-16th July 7.30pm

The 'Oval House Company Class' have been devising this amazing piece since last year September. So much hard work creativity and dedication has gone into creating this heart wrenching yet simply genius play. We started with a full company, about 20 of us and are now left with a cast of 13. Well it has been a lot of hard work over a long period of time and the most dedicated were certainly left standing, i'm so proud of what we've achieved.
This is no ordinary piece of theatre. In fact, we wont even be performing in a theatre. Confused? I'll explain.Without giving too much away I'll give you a brief outline of what to expect.  

We meet a small circle of friends a year after the death of their closest friend D. We see how they have and haven't coped with their loss, as well as their complex relationships with each other. When i say it's not in a theatre i wasn't joking. It's a promenade piece. The audience will be following each character, as if it were a live drama on T.V to different locations in and around the Oval, such as a dance studio, a cafe, a local hotel and some other adventurous spots. Exciting right? I know, I can't wait!!

So here is the official Oval House website to book your tickets. Only £4 by the way. I'd get em quickly if I were you!

http://www.ovalhouse.com/cn/event_details.php?sectionid=theatre&eventid=488&searchid=current

And the Facebook Events page to check out the cast list

http://www.ovalhouse.com/cn/event_details.php?sectionid=theatre&eventid=488&searchid=current

2. The second Show is 

'Bussin It' 

20-23th July 7.30pm

Another Oval House production I was blessed enough to be casted in. This piece isn't in a theatre either. But on a real Double Decker bus . . . outside of a cinema. . . In Brixton! How much more adventurous can theatre get? I love it! Written by the younger drama company at Oval we explore the lives of young people growing up, and making adult decisions through comedy as well as seriously emotional stuff. Again I wont give too much away, but I happened to be partnered up with Kraig Blake who plays my Dad. Kraig was one of the Directors of 'Don't Believe the Hype', a musical I played lead in as part of the Rich Mix Festival in 2009. Now this show I am particularly looking forward to. Well i've never performed on a bus before . . . outside Ritzy cinema  . . . in Brixton. It's definitely going to be an experience, and an experience that will be even greater if you come along and support.

To book your tickets visit the official Oval House Website . . . again tickets are only £4. I think it's a bargain ;)

http://www.ovalhouse.com/cn/event_details.php?sectionid=theatre&eventid=489&searchid=current

For the Cast List visit the Facebook events page https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=216253958413132

3. True Film at the 

Ritzy Cinema 4pm

Speaking of the Ritzy cinema. Did i mention i'd be on the big screen as part of a documentary about the 'Truth about Youth Project'? I didn't did I? I have now though :). 
Well, the dynamic duo, (who are also brothers), that is Daniel Patrick and Adam Hipkin who make 'Tea Films Productions', are photographers and film makers, these guys are amazing, but enough about them :). They have been following the 'Truth About Youth Project' over the past year. Rehearsals, Performances. Workshops and all that Jazz, they have been right there recording and interviewing us, and have created a jam packed documentary of all the work we have done to use the arts in order to challenge these negative perceptions that young people are portrayed in. This documentary will be shown at the Ritzy Cinema on Saturday 23rd July at 4pm. Be There of be Rectangle :)

Book your £4 tickets here 

http://www.ovalhouse.com/cn/event_details.php?sectionid=theatre&eventid=490&searchid=current

Truth About Youth & Oval House Theatre Present:

4.  Summers Live!!

15th July 7.30pm

This Night is officially gonna be LIVE!!! An evening celebrating young talent!! Hosted by the extremely funny duo JCX & Slick!! AKA Justin Chinyere & Nicholas 'Boomting' Brown . . . and Award winning DJ Excalibah on the decks all evening. 

Live Music from:

Obenewa

Lowkey 

      AK Rowling 

. . . and many more. 

An improvisation performance with my talented friends including actors:

 Michael Salami

 Rosie Christian

 Aiesha Lindsay

 Anneka Goldbourne

 Ashden Oke . . . and a few more!

 . . . as well as the Oval House Dance Company (accompanied by 'Hearts of Steel').

(This night follows an earlier performance of 'D' which will start at 6.30pm and run smoothly into 'Summers Live' which starts at 7.30!!)

Ahh!! Get Your Tickets!! Only £5

http://www.ovalhouse.com/cn/event_details.php?sectionid=theatre&eventid=485&searchid=current

BFI IMAX Cinema

Me On The Big Screen!! 

Now moving away from all things Oval House . . . although I love that place with all my heart. I have comedy sketch screening at the BFIImax Cinema also this July. There are two dates for this screening. 9th and the 15th. The 15th is when the big cats will be there. Everyone you can think of from the industry, but it sucks that I wont be there as I have the performance of 'D' that evening. But I will definitely be there on the 9th, and you should come too. I featured In a comedy sketch by 'Kool Beans' productions and it will be featured on this large screen as part of the 'London Screen Writers Festival' . It is incredibly funny, I had a blast on set and i'm 100% certain it's gonna look amazing!!


Click here to book your tickets! 
http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/learning/future_film_for_young_people/whats_on/future_film_how_to_be_funny_showcase
Well, that's me for this week! Thank you so much for taking the time out to read, and support. I do hope I see you at these performances, July is set to be an amazing month. God Bless!! ♥

A Fortnight Of Laughs & Smiles :D

IDRIS ELBA

(Stolen Picture.We weren't allowed to take photos, 

but a naughty someone did and hey, it circulated).

Well it's been a real productive couple of weeks I must say. In between rehearsing for Two shows with the Oval House Theatre, watching theatre 'Little Baby Jesus' by Arinze Kene. . . (Amazing play by the way) Helping a friend with a major audition over ice cream (he got the part whoop whoop) and other bits & bobs. The highlight has to be meeting Idris Elba. Yes 'THE' East London Born International Mega, Major, Simply Brilliantly Talented, Totally Handsome, Super Star that is 'IDRIS ELBA'. I had the pleasure of taking a masterclass with him just a few days ago at the Royal Theatre Haymarket in Piccadilly. The most inspirational class I've had to date, learned so much and left feeling totally motivated and inspired to just go for it! It was a very beneficial class for every one who wants to push their career to the limit whether an actor, writer or director, he sure does know his stuff. There was even an opportunity to get up and perform a monologue, with Idris giving the actors feedback then giving them a chance to perform it again, taking on that feedback. I have to admit I was quite gutted when I didn't get chosen, my arms where stretched as high and far as they could go, but it was a very large class so we would have been there the whole day if everyone got a chance. Regardless, i'm pleased I was there. It was a fab 2 hours and a day i'll never forget. A class with IDRIS ELBA. . . Who do I think I am eh?? ;) 

Together Again!!

I also went to a reunion dinner with the cast of 'Since You've Been Gone the Musical'. We wrapped the show about a month ago but I really had missed the show and the cast, so it was lovely hanging out with them again. We ate everything you can think of that goes on a pancake, chatted about our favourite scenes, songs, characters, and moments that went totally wrong during the play. It was an amazing evening full of laughs and craziness. This is for you Guys! ♥

High Fives To The Gemini's!! :D

The past couple of weeks there have been a few birthday 

celebrations within my circle of friends, so many Gemini's lol. 

I turned 23 and had a BBQ at my house to celebrate. It really is great spending time out side of work and rehearsals with all my nearest & dearest. We have the most fun. 

Elijah's birthday consisted of a BBQ at his house and then, somehow, an adventure in the forest at night. . . don't ask. I felt like I was in one of those scary movies. I'm sure I spent the whole time screaming :s.

Ashden's Birthday celebrations where at a confused venue. A bowling alley with three karaoke rooms, a dance floor, a dinar and a bar . . . Can't remember the last time I had so much mixed up fun lol. Oh & the speeches. I can't forget the speeches.

 Most of my friends just happen to be actors and they never pass up an opportunity to perform. Giving heart felt speeches at all three of our birthdays, every one decided to take on a character and accent. Hilarious things. 

Kool Beans!!

Righto! But back to the serious stuff!! Well not so serious I guess. Pretty Funny stuff actually.

Heard of Kool Beans Productions? Well you sure have now. About two blog posts ago I put up one of their Comedy Sketches and mentioned that i'd be working with them. Well the time has come and passed.

I had the absolute pleasure of being in their new comedy sketch series as part of the 'London Screen Writers Festival' screening at  BFI Imax Cinema next month. 9th & 15th of July. I'm going to be on the big screen!! Whoop Whoop!! (But I only get to go to one of these screenings as the other date clashes with another show i'm doing that month, :( sad times). OK! So. They will be presenting 7 sketches before a Q&A session with the writers/Directors and actors . . . and a comedy workshop which will definitely be a lot of fun. Especially for you actors. I've been a massive fan of their YouTube sketches for a while now. They are all so very funny, so you can imagine the excitement I had to contain when Nathan Bryon and Stuart Harris-Tench (The writers, directors . . . as well as actors), told me they had a part for me in one of their sketches. 

We had a reading at the Lyric Theatre and a week later we begun filming. Our location . . . a beautiful Thai restaurant on Portabello Road Notting Hill (I'm in love with that place).  I really don't want to give too much away as i'm about to invite you to the screening to watch it yourself, but I will say this. It's too funny to miss. I couldn't stop laughing on set and I can't wait to see the finished product. 

I've always loved comedy but never really thought about doing it, but i'm glad I did.

Also I got to eat between shooting scenes lol. It was great :)

Here's a few pictures from the shoot. They may give you some clues as to how funny this short comedy sketch really is :)

Laughter Invading The BFI!!!

Great Comedians & Brilliant Workshops Lined Up On The 9th July!!!

Book Your Tickets Now - ish For A Guaranteed Bellyaching Summer Day :D. Click The Link Below!

http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_southbank/learning/future_film_for_young_people/whats_on/future_film_how_to_be_funny_showcase

Last But Not Least!!!

Who Said Church Was Boring?????

Two weeks ago I went to a mini talent show being hosted by  Emmanuel Jatto aka 'Baller' at his church. He asked me to perform something, as the very last minute so many of the performers had dropped out. So I decided to sing one of my favourite gospel songs, (Yes I Said Sing lol) and freestyled a duologue with friend and fellow actor Aaron Deacon.

The theme of the evening was 'Laughter'. To show and prove that church doesn't have to be boring, and that Christian's aren't all incredibly serious at all time, as many people assume. Laughter is a wonderful gift from God and it's incredibly good for the soul.  The evening consisted of a Oreo & Milk competition for the kids to win football tickets, comedy with  Mr. A Dot, singing, MC'ing, monologues and poetry. It was a lovely evening and i'm so glad I was a part of it. I went home feeling refreshed and incredibly blessed. It's amazing what good company, a blessed environment and plenty of funny stuff can do for your soul (anyone who knows me knows i'm a complete giggler and I absolutely love a good ol' laugh). As a newly born again Christian it was extremely refreshing and comforting to see such wonderful ideas being put into action in the church. A place where people could come along, perform or watch, and laugh freely with out fear of being judged.  

I managed to put a little video together of bits of our performances. Not all, mainly because the battery on my camera was dying lol.

But view and enjoy :) ♥

Seeing as we are on the topic of the wonderful gift of laughter, gospel and happiness, I thought i'd share another favourite song of mine.

Watch and listen and see if you automatically smile. It does actually work :)

Circle of Revenge

There Won't Be Many Of You That Haven't Heard About The Online Series Of Short Films Called 'Circle Of Revenge', Although, I'm Pretty 

Sure Not Many Know That
I'm In It (Which I 
Totally Understand I Change My Hair Styles Quite Very Often Lol). Just A Few weeks Ago I Came Across A Video Entitled

 'Circle of Revenge Music Video' On A Friends Facebook Page, Only To Find Out It Was Her Brother Who Sang The Soundtrack, (small world eh).

Recently There's Been Quite A Bit Of Talk Going On About It, Although  

The Film Was Shot Late Last Year. But Seeing As 




It Is Growing Quite 
Popular & Clearly Not Over, With More Episodes To Follow Soon, I Thought I'd Share It. My Part Was Very Small (in part 1), But Very Challenging. Many Hours Worth Of Filming For A Less Than 1 Minute Scene. As You Will See Any Minute Now, My Character Lydia Is One So Very Far From Own. Promiscuous, Rude, A Bit Of A Thief & The Main Reason All The Trouble Starts In The First Place In This First Episode. I Will Admit This A Role I Pondered Over Taking For A Little While even though it was small, I was quite Nervous To Begin With Because . . . Well You'll See. As An Actor It Is A Must To Be Versatile & I Can't Help But Accept A Challenge & Be Pushed Out Of My Comfort Zone A Little (but on my terms of course if certain requirements are unnecessary as I do have morals and a faith which bothers my conscience at times). 

Set In The Gritty Parts Of South London, Circle of Revenge Explores The Seriousness & Dangerous Routes Ordinary People Can Fall Down If Deciding To Pursue Revenge. I Truly Admire The Moral Of The Short Story.

 It's Racked Up Over 20,000 Thousand Views On YouTube, Been Featured On Spiff TV...World Star Hip Hop & Currently Being Sold In Various Video/DVD Stores In London. 

The Talented & Ambitious Writer/Director J. Valentine Is A Friend Of Mine & I Was So Proud To Part Of His Exciting Project.

He Had A Wonderful Team Of Actors Including Another Friend Of Mine Joel McLean and Cameraman & Editor Derrion Adams.

Recently The Music Video For The Soundtrack Was Released So Here It Is, Along With The

• 'COMING SOON' PROMO VIDEO

• The 'TRAILER' 

• 'EPISODE ONE' PART 1 & 2 

Enjoy!! XxX

Coming Soon Promotion Video . . .

The Trailer . . .

Episode 1/Part 1 

  Episode 1/Part 2

. . . Now Have A Listen To The Soundtrack . . .

Why Not Visit BHM Films YouTube Channel To Watch Episode Two Parts 1, 2 & 3 . . .
http://www.youtube.com/user/filmsBHM