Hmmm. Tricky. Auditions are great when you get called in. You’re a set closer and I always celebrate this and thankful to get seen. With auditions few and far between I use them to perform as I would when I have the job or as I would in a class. Its me and the character or dance. There were times, when I first left college, that some auditions felt like an exam. The panel can look at you so intensely. But you get use to that and block it out… most of the time.
The lack of diversity in Hollywood is always a hot topic during awards season,as a Nigerian-British actress,do you face this in the UK? If so, how can the culture be changed for the better?
I was honestly bored with the topic over award season and in life generally I’ve struggled with this since the beginning. Even now. Trying to sign with agents here is tough, as they say we already have someone like you. We won’t be able to focus on you. I was brought up without issue of skin colour, in a small town with only 4 other ‘black/ mixed families, that I knew of. Very rarely would colour be a factor. I was in LA last year and I had more meetings with agents there in three months, than I have here in London over 8 years. How can things be changed…stop looking at colour. The world is so vibrant, people travel, people are working hard, people are people regardless of colour or creed. Be truthful to the roles. If they are from a certain place, cast an actor who looks like they are from there. If the role is open and non specific, cast anyone. So many roles I’ve wanted to apply for, but couldn’t because after reading the about the character, they would state at the bottom: Appearence: White, Scandinavian, Caucasian. But this is slowly changing.
I saw “Love’s Kitchen” and thought it was very good. What was the experience like working with Dougray Scott and Claire Forlani? Do you enjoy smaller parts on a major film or a leading role on a small budget indie?
I like parts what ever the budget, it all depends on what the part is. The only difference is the catering and green room. Haa! I do enjoy having a meatier part, as that is what I’ve trained to do, that’s what I’m built for. But even with smaller parts you learn so much. Love’s Kitchen was one of my first acting gigs. I had been auditioning for a lot of musical theatre and dance work, but things slowly started to shift to straight acting.
What do you like to do for fun? Hobbies,activities,holiday…what makes Sarah happiest?
Oh gosh! I like doing so much, I’m always up for trying new things. I grew up doing so many hobbies and running around dancing, athletics, swimming. That it hindered me to this age. I have to have something to do! I love mixing with people, being creative, whether I’m taking a class, or book a workshop of some kind, or go out with my camera, or pottering in my garden. I happily go places on my own. I’m happiest when I’m doing something or accomplished something. I’m great at doing nothing for a day or two, MAX. This is really a tough question, because generally I’m happy with life.
What makes the city you live in cool to be in? If we visited you,where and what would we do?
Err, I’ve been in London for many years now and still have a lot to discover. It great that you can always find something to do in here. My favourite view is the Tower of London. But these days I like to stay local to where I live or if I’m out in the city I try and avoid the busy places. London is changing and losing some of the character it had. So I like to venture off the main streets and find independent places and hideaways.
You’re right, she is very beautiful. I wish her a lot of luck and I’ll be watching for her in the acting world! Nice interview~
Agreed,she is very beautiful and driven. This lady will go far if given the chance because Sarah has the talent.