Young actor Kyrelle Lammy on dealing with nerves, learning lines, and winning twice at the Black British Theatre Awards.
At the Black British Theatre Awards 2023, we had the chance to talk to young performer Kyrelle Lammy, who took home the Disability Champion Award (sponsored by Spotlight) and the Best Supporting Male Actor Award for the role of ‘Angel Gabriel’ in Nativity: The Musical at Birmingham Repertory Theatre.
Kyrelle, who has sickle cell anaemia, has had an amazing career so far, with roles in Winnie the Pooh the Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre and Birmingham Hippodrome, Billy Elliot at the Curve, and commercials for iconic brands like Ikea, Facebook and Disney.
We asked Kyrelle about his tips for dealing with nerves, remembering lines, and his experience in the acting industry so far. Here’s what he shared:
Hi Kyrelle! How did you get into acting?
So there was one TV commercial that I did and then it just started from there.
How did it feel to bring ‘Christopher Robin’ to life in Winnie the Pooh the Musical?
It feels good because when I was younger, I always used to watch ‘Winnie the Pooh’, so yeah, I just felt very excited.
How do you deal with nerves?
I just do things that I like doing, and try to calm myself down. Sometimes, my hands get a bit sweaty, so I just need to calm myself down and take deep breaths.
How do you prepare for a role?
I just practise what I need to do and I’ll just try to remember stuff.
How do you remember stuff?
So first, you go over it, and then after, if it’s like a script, don’t look at it, and try to remember it as much as you can. If you need help, then just look at it.
Do you have any tips for other performers with disabilities?
Just keep trying hard and I think eventually you’ll get there. And just push yourself as much as you want.
How does it feel to be nominated for two awards at the Black British Theatre Awards?
It’s so exciting. All my friends were going on about it. They wanted to come, but we didn’t get the chance to book the tickets, but all my family and friends were very excited for it.
Tell us about your role in Nativity! the Musical.
Very excited, since I play ‘Angel Gabriel’, I was in the air on I think a harness, and I was singing a song, so it was really good because I was so high in the air.
What would your dream role be?
My dream role would be to be in an Avengers movie or a Marvel one. So I’d love to be in a Spider-Man movie or a new hero movie.
Finally, do you have any advice for other young performers who are starting out?
So, just try your hardest, and just maybe learn monologues to help you, since I’ve just finished a long monologue. Start with small monologues, and then go to larger ones like scripts. And then that’s how good you can be.
Thank you, Kyrelle, for taking the time to talk to us!
Take a look at our website for more tips and advice for young performers, and other video interviews with actors and casting directors.
