Acting Strong

Patsy Palmer is an Actor, DJ, Wellness Advocate and Cultural Icon, best known for her unforgettable role as Bianca Jackson in EastEnders — a character she has embodied for over 30 years, earning her a place in British television history. Patsy's background and career is a story underpinned by resilience.In this episode, Patsy shares honest reflections on growing up in the East End of London, her early experiences in the acting industry, and the importance of creating space and opportunity for working class actors in today's cultural landscape.She speaks candidly about the realities of being seen as an “icon,” what that label means to her, and how she's carved out a different kind of life in Malibu — one that keeps her grounded, passionate, and connected to her roots.Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Patsy Palmer (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your feedback, questions or requests for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTS Facebook: @GenerationArts Produced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and this production is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. www.generationarts.org.uk

Actor Sarah Seggari joins Ali and Unique for an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about her journey from South London to becoming a series regular playing Rida Amaan on BBC's Casualty.She shares how solid drama school training set the foundation, but it was learning to trust her gut—like the time she stuck with her original self-tape despite her agent's advice—that helped her land the role. Sarah talks candidly about relocating to Cardiff for filming, building a new community, and the everyday resilience it takes to keep going in the industry.Packed with gold for aspiring actors, Sarah unpacks what it's like to work with a rotating cast of guest actors, the shift from stage to screen, and how to create a truthful TV character when scripts can change at the last minute. She speaks with real passion about her experiences at Shakespeare's Globe, how she unlocked a love for Shakespeare, and gives practical advice on preparing strong classical monologues for auditions.If you're an actor navigating early career highs and lows, this episode is full of insight, humour, and hard-earned wisdom.Subscribe, spread the word and turn on your notifications. Each guest brings their own take on resilience. So take what lands, leave what doesn't.Send us a Text Message with your feedback, questions or requests for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTS Facebook: @GenerationArts Produced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and this production is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. www.generationarts.org.uk

An episode for aspiring actors looking for inspiration on resilience, success, and a grounding in the realities of being a jobbing actor.  Actor Helder Fernandes has starred in Black Mirror, Rings of Power, The Gentlemen, Top Boy, and the National Theatre's Our Generation.  In this down-to-earth conversation with Ali and Unique he shares his journey from struggling to get into drama school to starring in Netflix hits while maintaining a side job for a supermarket. Helder reflects on balancing fame with staying grounded, finding his confidence through Generation Arts, and the importance of remaining humble despite success in the industry.  He describes using lockdown to perfect self-taping skills that led to commercial and TV opportunities and shares his experience performing verbatim theatre in Our Generation at the National Theatre.He opens up about his lack of high school exam grades, struggles through three years of drama school auditions before finally being accepted and learning to embrace his unique journey and build confidence through drama school training.Helder is giving back to Generation Arts and showing others from similar backgrounds that success is possible, and we are sure you'll agree he is truly a role model to all aspiring actors out there. Subscribe, spread the word and turn on your notifications. Each guest brings their own take on resilience, so take what lands and leave what doesn't.Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Helder Fernandes (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your feedback, questions or requests for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTS Facebook: @GenerationArts Produced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and this production is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. www.generationarts.org.uk

What happens when a performer refuses to compromise on their artistic integrity from day one? Tamara Lawrance's remarkable career journey offers a masterclass in building success through meaningful choices and unwavering self-belief.Tamara chats to Ali and Unique about their recent work in "The Comeuppance" at the Almeida Theatre and their groundbreaking role in Channel 4's "Get Millie Black" – a production they describe as "seminal" for its unprecedented representation of diverse Jamaican communities and centering of queer and trans stories. Filmed primarily in Kingston with local talent, the series reconnected Tamara with their heritage while showcasing Jamaica's rich creative ecosystem to international audiences.The conversation reveals Tamara's approach to career development, guided by a simple yet powerful principle: "If I only have a finite pool of energy, I want to give it to something that I care about." This intentionality has resulted in an impressive body of work spanning prestigious stages like the National Theatre alongside major screen productions for BBC, Netflix, and Channel 4.Most compelling is Tamara's vulnerability about their journey from a shy drama school student who experienced anxiety to the confident professional they are today. Whether you're a beginner actor, fellow artist or someone seeking inspiration for your own creative path, Tamara's story demonstrates how authenticity, preparation, and resilience can create a career that's not just successful, but deeply fulfilling. Listen now for insights that will transform how you approach your artistic journey. Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Tamara Lawrance (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your feedback, questions or requests for future episodesSend us a Text Message with your feedback, questions or requests for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTS Facebook: @GenerationArts Produced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and this production is supported using public funding by Arts Council England. www.generationarts.org.uk

What happens when your passion becomes your career, but then a setback threatens everything you've built? In this honest conversation with Ali and Unique, Gabrielle Nimo, West End Movement Director, shares her inspiring story of resilience and adaptability, highlighting her transformative journey through productions like "Red Pitch" and "Strategic Love Play." With no agent and relying solely on her organic network, Gaby's career thrives, showcasing how versatility across roles like dancer, facilitator, and teacher can continuously open doors in the arts industry.Balancing a demanding career with personal well-being is no small feat, especially when you're dealing with the physical and mental challenges of injuries. Gaby opens up about her journey of recovery, the significance of self-care, and how exploring new interests became a crucial part of her healing. This episode also touches on the broader landscape of theatre and screen work, exploring different career paths, the power of representation for black female movement directors, and the relentless passion, persistence and hustling required to succeed in this industry.Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Gabrielle Nimo (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your feedback, questions or requests for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTS | BlueSky @genarts.bsky.socialFacebook & X: @GenerationArts Produced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk

In this special Q&A episode, Suzy Catliff CDG, a renowned Casting Director and author of The Casting Handbook, shares her wealth of experience from iconic TV shows like Silent Witness and Casualty to film classics like The English Patient. Suzy takes you behind the scenes of the audition room, revealing exactly what casting directors look for and how to approach them with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your craft, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you succeed in the industry.   Tune in for insider tips on how to ace your auditions and build a lasting career.Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Suzy Catliff (Guest)Share your feedback and tell us what you want to hear on the podcast!Find us on Instagram @GEN_ARTS or DM us below.Send us a Text Message with your thoughts about our podcast or ideas for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTSFacebook & X: @GenerationArtsProduced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk

Ali and Unique respond to listeners' questions.If you found this episode helpful let us know. If you have more topics you want us to cover, or guests you want to hear from get in touch with us on Instagram @GEN_ARTS or message us below.During the episode we discuss getting into acting as a new or aspiring actor. These opportunities and organisations might be helpful:Get Into TheatreLondon BubbleYoung VicRoundhouse ProjectsStratford East Young CompanyAlmeidaKiln TheatreRoyal Central School of Speech & Drama GAP Year Diploma Brixton HouseLyric HammersmithSend us a Text Message with your thoughts about our podcast or ideas for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTSFacebook & X: @GenerationArtsProduced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk

Award-winning choreographer, dancer, and director Jennifer Irons shares her journey from immigrant beginnings in London to becoming a trailblazer in the world of contemporary dance and theatre. In this episode, Jennifer reveals how her experience as an outsider has profoundly influenced her work and led her to defy traditional expectations in the dance industry. From large-scale stadium performances to commercial music videos, and her own one-woman show, Jennifer's story is one of grit, resilience, and refusing to follow the conventional path. Plus, get a glimpse into the challenges she faces in every project (dead cat moments) and how she overcame the biggest challenge of her life to perform her gruelling Edinburgh Fringe show. Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Jennifer Irons (Guest)We want to hear from you!  Tell us what you want to hear in our special Q&A Episode on 6.9.24.  Send us your questions or topic ideas:- DM us on Instagram @GEN_ARTS- Click the link below to message us- Text the show 07441 371403- Comment on our socialsSend us a Text Message with your thoughts about our podcast or ideas for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTSFacebook & X: @GenerationArtsProduced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk

Hayley Konadu is an actor, and facilitator who recently starred as Flo Bones in Lockwood & Co (Netflix) and has worked on screen and theatre, as well as extensively as an facilitator and assistant director with young people and in arts education settings.  In this richly authentic conversation with Ali and Unique, Hayley discusses the process of auditioning and being cast as Flo Bones in Netflix's smash hit Lockwood & Co.  She opens up about the realities of coping with massive success followed by rejection, and how kindness and staying grounded support her mental well-being.  Hayley offers practical wisdom and advice for any aspiring and beginning actor and her resilience and realness shine through. Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Hayley Konadu (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your thoughts about our podcast or ideas for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTSFacebook & X: @GenerationArtsProduced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk

Chetna Pandya is an Actor, Director, Producer and Creative advocate, most recently known to many for her role as Coach Singh in Heartstopper (Netflix) and for her extensive acting career in TV shows such as The Trouble with Maggie Cole, This Way Up, Feel Good and Black Mirror. She has worked nationally and internationally across stage, television, film & radio performing with Complicité, Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal Court Theatre and BBC Radio Drama to name a few.In this conversation Chetna passionately advocates for access to the arts, sharing insights into her own experiences growing up, and how meaningful socio-economic diversity and inclusion can affect change.Chetna discusses how she has found the resilience to overcome barriers in her 22-year career in a changing industry, and shares her personal mindset for how to remain true to oneself as a professional artist. Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Chetna Pandya (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your thoughts about our podcast or ideas for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTSFacebook & X: @GenerationArtsProduced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk

Ace Ruele is a leading motion capture film and video games actor, and founder of Creature Bionics. In this conversation he discusses his extraordinary journey from 4.5 years in prison, through to acting in Hollywood movies, TV and commercials and more recently developing a world-leading company which is transforming how the film industry approaches motion capture, animal and creature work. Ace shares his personal philosophy about how he has maintained his remarkable positive attitude across a range of challenges, and transformed his life and career through perseverance and a growth mindset.  Ace is truly an inspiration and role model for anyone wanting to progress and succeed.More details about Creature Bionics and Ace's work: creaturebionics.comHosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Ace Ruele (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your thoughts about our podcast or ideas for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTSFacebook & X: @GenerationArtsProduced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk

Ira Mandela Siobhan is a leading Actor, Dancer and Movement Director, and joins Ali and Unique directly from final rehearsals for The Grapes of Wrath at the National Theatre where he is Movement Director.  In this conversation Ira shares personal insights into his childhood growing up as the only Black kid at school, moving from the basketball court into dance training, and how his path led him to starring on stage with DV8, Shakespeare's Globe, on the West End, working with Tom Cruise and improvising scene ideas with Ryan Reynolds and Margot Robbie on the Barbie movie. At every step on his journey Ira has found courage and resilience to challenge himself and put his creative ideas and goals out there, and he shares the methods behind his work ethic with Ali and Unique. More details about Ira's masterclasses: https://www.iramandela.com Hosts & Guests:Ali Godfrey (Host)Unique Spencer (Host)Ira Mandela Siobhan (Guest)Send us a Text Message with your thoughts about our podcast or ideas for future episodesEmail: actingstrong@generationarts.org.ukwww.actingstrong.comSocial Media:@ActingStrongInstagram: @GEN_ARTSFacebook & X: @GenerationArtsProduced & Edited by: Ali GodfreyActing Strong is brought to you by Generation Arts and sponsored by the Royal Central School of Speech and Dramawww.generationarts.org.ukwww.cssd.ac.uk