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 Cleve September, who’s currently playing Tom Fraser in The Little Big Things.
Find out more about Cleve and his career so far below:
1. My route into theatre was…
Through drama school. I started at The Brit School (2010-2012) where I began my training, and then went to Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts (2012-2015) where I studied Musical Theatre.
2. My West End idol is…
I have too many. It’s hard to narrow it down to one! But if I had to choose one, I would have to say Rachel John. She has always been an idol in theatre for me, but I’m also extremely fortunate to call her one of my best friends!
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Oh gosh…probably likes to have a laugh and a little cheeky/mischievous. Well, at least that’s one of the main sides of me that comes out once I begin to get comfortable around the people I’m working with.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
This is hard because I’ve been extremely lucky to have been in some of my favourite shows. But I think I’d have to say…. Come From Away. I love everything about the show! From the music to the direction, the subtlety and beauty of the choreography.
Alice Fearn (Beverley Bass) and the 2022 West End cast of Come From Away. Photo by Matt Crockett.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
I think my main career moment is actually a multitude of things as it’s just the incredible people I’ve been fortunate to have worked with throughout my career. But also I have to mention, receiving an Olivier nomination for my performance in Hamilton is definitely up there with the most incredible and unexpected moments.
Cleve September (John Laurens), Jamael Westman (Alexander Hamilton), Jason Pennycooke (Marquis de Lafayette), Tarinn Callender (Hercules Mulligan) and the original West End company of Hamilton.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
I think one of the hardest things about being an actor is definitely the resilience that is required to maintain confidence in the industry. I love my job and what I do! But it is by no means easy. I think a lot of people just think it’s getting up on stage and singing a few songs and dancing here and there. But there is a lot of work, hours, blood, sweat and many tears that go into this craft. People work so hard and sometimes for minimal payoff. And not that it’s all about that but I think people forget that this is a business too and is our work and not a hobby. So definitely the resilience that’s required to push through the really tough moments in the industry. But like I said, I love my job and will always push myself to always grow.
The cast of The Little Big Things. Photo by Pamela Raith.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
Probably playing sports, maybe basketball or rugby…or a bartender… I make a pretty mean cocktail, if I say so myself.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I don’t know, I’m quite an open person. Maybe not everyone knows that I’m South African.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Be a sponge! Be open to everything and always be kind.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
You are enough!
You can see Cleve’s work in action in the brand new British musical, The Little Big Things.
