In our profile series Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From the best part of their jobs to the hardest, we want to know it all!
This week, we hear from Deborah Ayorinde, who’s currently playing Julia in Alice Childress’ Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White.
Find out more about Deborah and her career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
After school drama programs. My parents recognised the deep love I have for the arts very early on and they nurtured it and kept me going after school. I always knew I would be a performing artist so this has always felt like a natural journey for me.
2. My West End idol is…
I don’t have one just yet. My favourite actors and directors have done work outside of the West End.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Focused, loving, open, graceful.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
There’s so many that I love so my favourite keeps on changing. One that I saw recently that I love is Between Riverside and Crazy at the Hampstead Theatre.
The cast of Between Riverside and Crazy at the Hampstead Theatre. Photo by Johan Persson.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
The work I did in seasons 1 and 2 of Them. To be asked back to lead the show again in a completely new role was a huge honour and something that I’m proud of.
Deborah Ayorinde in Them, an Amazon Original TV series.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
Staying focused on the art of what I do (because that’s what truly brings me joy), while taking care of the business of what I do.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
Some other type of artist. A musician. A writer. A documentarian. Something creative. Something artistic.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m actually quite shy. When I get around people I feel safe with I’m open but when I’m not I can be quite reserved.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Stay true to you.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Focus more of your energy on discovering and embracing your authentic self. You are enough.
You can see Deborah in the hotly-anticipated Wedding Band: A Love/Hate Story in Black and White at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre.