The Actor’s Waiting Room

Send us Fan MailThis week in The Actor’s Waiting Room, I’m joined by actor and host of the The 98% Podcast, Alexa Morden.Alexa has been speaking openly about the realities of the acting industry for years, creating space for honest conversations about the parts of this career that don’t always get talked about.In this episode, we chat about her work with The 98% Podcast, why these conversations matter for actors, and the importance of honesty, community, and perspective in an industry that can often feel isolating. We also talk about her new book Beyond the Spotlight, which explores the realities of the industry and encourages actors to think about their careers and identities beyond just the pursuit of the next role.This conversation ended up being such a good and wide-ranging discussion that we’ve split it into two parts; welcome back to Part Two.Find out more about Alexa’s coaching, and where to buy her book ‘Beyond The Spotlight’ HERE! Listen to The 98% podcast wherever you get podcasts and check out the-98-percent.com for help, guidance, advice, and free resources for actors.Follow online @alexa_morden @the98percentpod and @acting.with.alexa

Send us Fan MailThis week in The Actor’s Waiting Room, I’m joined by actor and host of the The 98% Podcast, Alexa Morden.Alexa has been speaking openly about the realities of the acting industry for years, creating space for honest conversations about the parts of this career that don’t always get talked about.In this episode, we chat about her work with The 98% Podcast, why these conversations matter for actors, and the importance of honesty, community, and perspective in an industry that can often feel isolating. We also talk about her new book Beyond the Spotlight, which explores the realities of the industry and encourages actors to think about their careers and identities beyond just the pursuit of the next role.This conversation ended up being such a good and wide-ranging discussion that we’ve split it into two parts, so this is Part One.Find out more about Alexa’s coaching, and where to buy her book ‘Beyond The Spotlight’ HERE! Listen to The 98% podcast wherever you get podcasts and check out the-98-percent.com for help, guidance, advice, and free resources for actors.Follow online @alexa_morden @the98percentpod and @acting.with.alexa

Send us Fan MailThis week in The Actor’s Waiting Room, I’m joined by actor and filmmaker Malcolm Modele.Before moving into acting and filmmaking, Malcolm served in the military, and in this conversation we talk about the journey that took him from that world into the creative industries. We also talk about his work both in front of and behind the camera, the realities of creating your own opportunities as an artist, and what it takes to carve out space for yourself in the industry.It’s an honest conversation about career shifts, creative independence, and finding your place in a challenging industry.

Send us Fan MailIt’s time for another Movie of the Month, and this time I’m looking at Fury, directed by David Ayer and starring Brad Pitt, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, Jon Bernthal, and Shia LaBeouf.In this episode I break down the performances at the centre of the film and look at how the actors create such a believable sense of tension, hierarchy, and shared history within the tank crew. We talk about ensemble acting, authority on screen, and how restraint can sometimes be more powerful than big emotional moments.I also explore how the characters shift throughout the film, particularly the journey from outsider to soldier, and what actors can learn from performances that rely on subtle choices, listening, and physical presence.

Send us Fan MailWhat does it actually feel like to be an actor in your late 20s?In this episode, I sit down with Jay and we talk honestly about the strange space that is your late 20s as an actor. The pressure starts to feel more real, the timelines get louder, and suddenly you’re very aware that other people seem to have “figured it out.”We chat about comparison, identity, money, stability, and how your relationship to acting shifts as you get older. Is it scarier? Is it clearer? Are you more confident or just more aware of the risks?This isn’t advice and it’s not a panic spiral. It’s just a real conversation about what it feels like when acting stops feeling like a dream and starts feeling like your life.

Send us Fan MailLet’s talk about the thing most actors have… but don’t always love admitting. Day jobs.Whether it’s hospitality, retail, freelancing, or something completely outside the industry, day jobs are often the reason we’re able to keep going while we wait for the work we really want. But they can also bring up a lot of feelings. Guilt, comparison, frustration, relief. Sometimes all at once.In this episode, I talk honestly about my own experiences, the pressure to prove your an actor, and how easy it is to question yourself when your career doesn’t look the way you thought it would.This isn’t about quitting your job or pushing yourself harder. It’s about sustainability, perspective, and staying in this career long enough for things to happen.If you’re balancing acting with work, feeling conflicted about it, or just need the reminder that having a day job does not make you any less of an actor, you're in the right place. 

Send us Fan MailThis week in The Actor’s Waiting Room, I’m joined by actor John Altman.John is best known for playing Nick Cotton in EastEnders, a role that made him one of the show’s most recognisable and talked-about characters. In this conversation, we go far beyond one part.We talk about John’s acting career as a whole, including the early days, the realities of long-running TV, being associated with an iconic role, and what it’s actually like to sustain a life in acting over many years. We chat honestly about the highs, the challenges, and how your relationship with the industry changes over time.This episode is a real look at longevity, identity, and what it means to keep showing up as an actor in an industry that’s always moving.

Send us Fan MailThis week I’m trying something new with the podcast and introducing Movie of the Month, where I watch a film and talk about it purely from an actor’s point of view.For the first one, I’ve chosen Babylon, starring Margot Robbie, Brad Pitt, and Diego Calva. It’s a film that’s loud, chaotic, uncomfortable, and completely obsessed with the industry and the people trying to survive inside it.In this episode, I chat about the acting, the direction, and the casting, and how all of those choices affect performance. I look at very different acting styles living side by side, the risks the actors take, and what happens when realism is thrown out in favour of something much bigger and messier.I also talk about what makes Babylon such an exciting piece of filmmaking, why I think it’s a great film, and what we as actors can actually learn from it. Not just in terms of craft, but in how it can spark creativity, especially during quieter or waiting periods.

Send us Fan MailJanuary always makes me feel like I should be doing more - setting huge goals, getting my life together, and somehow knowing exactly where this year is going. And every year, that energy lasts about five minutes before I feel exhausted.So in this episode, I’m talking about why I’m not going full steam ahead this January. Instead, I’m letting it be a slower start - a bit of a warm-up - so I don’t burn myself out before the year’s even properly begun.I chat about why traditional resolutions don’t really work for actors, how I’m thinking about goals in a more relaxed way, and why starting slowly might actually help us stay in this career longer.If you’re feeling behind already, overwhelmed, or quietly panicking about what this year is meant to look like - this one’s for you.Take a seat in the waiting room. There’s no rush.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the Christmas special of The Actor’s Waiting Room! It’s just me this week - armed with a festive drink, Christmas film recommendations and an actors survival toolkit for the holidays. In this solo episode, I’m diving into what Christmas actually feels like when you’re an actor - the joy, the chaos, the family interrogation, and the annual “should I retrain?” moment that always hits somewhere between the leftover’s and the Boxing Day sales.I’ll be chatting about:- How I attempt to survive Christmas as an actor without losing my mind- Acting lessons hiding inside classic Christmas films - from Emma Thompson’s heartbreaking subtlety in Love Actually to the warmth and sincerity at the heart of Miracle on 34th Street- And my own little 2025 wrap-up: what I’ve learned, what surprised me, and what I’m hoping for in the new yearThink of this episode as a cosy Christmas chat between friends - honest, warm, a bit chaotic, and very Waiting Room.So grab your Christmas drink of choice, get comfy, and let’s celebrate the festive season together.

Send us Fan MailThis week in The Actor’s Waiting Room, I’m doing what all actors do best: obsessing over other actors who are better than me.But in a healthy, educational way. Obviously.In this episode, I’m breaking down four performers whose work genuinely makes me want to up my game: Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Imelda Staunton, and Julie Walters. We’re talking:-  Why Ryan Gosling’s stillness is weirdly hypnotic- How Emily Blunt does… well, everything- Why Imelda Staunton can terrify you, move you, and win three Oliviers before breakfast.- And how Julie Walters makes absolutely every performance look effortless and bring humility to every role.🎧 Grab your tea, sit down in the Waiting Room, and let’s get inspired (or mildly intimidated).

Send us Fan MailIn this week’s episode of The Actor’s Waiting Room, I am joined by the brilliant Sophie Bloor, a powerhouse voiceover artist and actor whose career spans over 500 clients, including Spotify, Sky, Lidl, the BBC, and more.Sophie shares what it takes to build a thriving career in voiceover - from developing versatility and vocal confidence to navigating auditions and finding consistent work in an ever-evolving industry.We also chat about her recent acting role as DC Corinne Wells in Murder Before Evensong, her first role than has spanned over 5 episodes in a Channel 5 detective drama series.

Send us Fan MailAs actors we may receive the opportunity to voice some beautiful animations. Therefore I think its important to know how much time is spent creating these pieces. In this episode we step into the imaginative world of illustrator and animator Florence Waters. Florence shares how she brings characters and stories to life through movement, design, and visual storytelling - exploring how emotion translates across mediums.Florence Instagram - @flossywatersWebsite: https://flossywaters.com/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I dive into the psychology and performance craft behind some of cinema and television’s most compelling villains and morally grey characters. From Rosamund Pike’s chilling precision in Gone Girl to Judi Dench’s unsettling control in Notes on a Scandal, we explore how great actors turn darkness into art.I also unpack Evan Peters’ haunting embodiment of Jeffrey Dahmer and Christoph Waltz’s unnervingly charming Colonel Hans Landa in Inglourious Basterds - examining what makes their performances so captivating, disturbing, and unforgettable.

Send us Fan MailAs actors, we never really know what happens in the casting office. I have always thought it's better to know more about every aspect of this industry so 1. You know what to expect but 2. To humanise the industry. This means you can start to work with the casting office and not be so scared to look them in the eyes. This week I interview Laura Meredith a Casting Director who has just began her own company, Clutch Casting. We talk about her side of the casting process as well as what can help the actor.

Send us Fan MailScreenwriter and production company founder, Karla Williams, joins me in the studio to talk about how she is navigating the screenwriting industry. Karla has gained some invaluable experience working on projects for ITV, Audible, Amazon Studios and independent films. We talk about the highs and lows of the writing industry and what you can do to help elevate your career. Karla's company is MsMono: https://msmono.com/TikTok account: @cue.karla 

Send us Fan MailKate and Abs are the creators of Chaotic Creators. A Magazine designed for creatives and queers. The magazine includes poetry, photography, interviews, film recommendations, writing opportunities and more. We talk about what sparked them to leave their careers in dentistry to pursue their goals of becoming writers. You can visit their site which includes writing opportunities, access to order the magazine and more: https://chaoticcreatorsmagazine.co.uk/Kate and Abs have now decided that all proceeds from the magazine will go towards a charity to help Gaza.

Send us Fan MailThe podcast has been going for a little while now and I haven't introduced you to my amazing camera man, Jay O'Connell. Myself and Jay live together in North London and he has always helped out with podcast from the beginning. In this episode we look back over our acting and creative careers and reflect on the ups and downs.

Send us Fan MailI am joined by my good friend, Aaron-Lee Eyles! Starting out as an actor, Aaron quickly immersed himself into all aspects of the entertainment industry. This included agenting at North Artist Management, writing and producing two shows and has now been working in the branding and Voiceover departments at the prestigious Hamilton Hodell talent agency in London. Aaron gives us a great insight into what goes on behind the big industry doors, tips in Voiceover and reminds creatives that you really can pursue a wide variety of artistic avenues, if you really want to.

Send us Fan MailI am joined this week by the lovely Gabrielle Hughes. Gabby has been out of drama school for 2 years and has worked for the BBC and Netflix. We talk all about pursuing a career as a person of colour, her insightful time on Dept Q and what the acting scene is like in Scotland.

Send us Fan MailI was very lucky to be joined by Phoebe Cowley this week who is an actor, writer and producer of her own short films. The world of short film was a mystery to me. It is something that isn't spoken about, compared to the feature films that we all watch weekly. We talk about how to create short films, where you can advertise them and sticking to your creative choices. If you would like to view Phoebe's work which includes, Loser Like Larkin and Holy Baby, email into the podcast ([email protected]). Phoebe has kindly given her permission for free links to be sent to those who would like to watch her work.

Send us Fan MailStaying Creative for long periods of time is SO hard! But, it is crucial in keeping your spark going for your creative career. This week I am welcoming you back, in a brand new studio, to talk about how we get that creative spark back. Useful Points: - The Artist Way by Julia Cameron.- The Mel Robbins Podcast. Specifically 'Feeling Lost in Your 20s?'https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mel-robbins-podcast/id1646101002?i=1000714840711 

Send us Fan MailThis week I am joined by my good friend Ally Ibach! We met back in December 2022 when we were both cast in 'A Comedy of Errors' here in London and have stayed in touch ever since. Ally is an Actor and Playwright who is based in New York. Recently they have been producing their own show ‘Midnight Cowboy Radio’ which has had some very successful runs in New York, London and Edinburgh Fringe. We talk about how to create a show, living in New York as a creative and how to stay inspired. 

Send us Fan MailThis week I am joined by the lovely Millie Innes! Millie's acting career started at the age of 8 working with David Tennant on the BBC series 'Single Father.' She has worked on the iconic show 'Dani's House' and even had her own TV show 'Millie Inbetween' that she acted in until she was 19. Millie now works on the production side for 'Raise the Roof Productions' based in Glasgow, producing a variety of shows for Channel 4. We talk all about her creative journey and what she has learned along the way. 

Send us Fan MailEver wondered how you create a show? How a creative writes their first draft to performing it on a stage? Well my guest this week has done just that. Eleanor Hill, the writer and performer of 'OVERSHARE' has come to speak to me about her writing process, selling tickets and the dreaded Arts Council England Funding application. OVERSHARE is a semi autobiographical, tech heavy tragicomedy about mental health, heartbreak and trauma through the lens of social media. It is going to be running at The Greenwich Theatre from 6th - 25th May here in London. ★★★★★‘A deeply clever & dark exploration of our relationship with social media.’Neurodiverse Review★★★★★’Groundbreaking is a mantle that I truly believe her performance deserves.’ Theatre Weekly ★★★★‘As if Bo Burnham’s Inside was made by Bridget Jones’s drug-addled cousin.’’ British Theatre Guide ★★★★‘Eleanor Hill is an astounding performer, the show could be a Netflix special’ The Understudy Tickets - https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/overshare/

Send us Fan MailSteven is an actor, model, presenter and even a life coach,  so I think its fair to say that Steven knows exactly what it's like to be in entertainment industry. Through years of practice, he knows how to keep his head level and healthy throughout this crazy journey we are all on. We talk about his multiple career paths, using manifestation as a scientific tool and not a spiritual one and how to keep your mind healthy. Instagram @steven.luemba

Send us Fan MailYou could say that since starting the podcast and my 6 years in the acting industry, I have learnt a lot. However, there is still so much I don't know yet. I have my very good friend and actor, Brittni Shaw, on this week where we talk about all the things we don't know about the acting industry. Including how famous actors get paid millions, how they hire security, kissing scenes, changing their names and more. 

Send us Fan MailIt is just you and I this week. Throughout my creative journey I have learnt so much, but I wish I knew these things when I was in my early 20s. Like most actors, I didn't know much when I first entered the industry, but if someone had told me all of this sooner, it would have saved me a lot of time. This week we talk about Spotlight pages, showreels, communicating with your agent, moving away and industry vocab. 

Send us Fan MailI am incredibly lucky to have Amit Shah as my creative guest on the podcast this week. Amit has worked on a huge variety of projects. His early career started in theatre, performing for The Royal Shakespeare Company, The National Theatre and The Royal Court. His TV credits include Happy Valley, Crashing, Mr Bates Vs The Post Office and more. Lastly, Amit has worked extensively in the world of film where he recently starred in Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger. We talk all about the life of a creative and what it’s like to get involved in these amazing projects.

Send us Fan MailI am joined by Red Talent agent Conor Nolan who shows us what its like on the agenting side of the industry. We talk about the significance of supporting the arts, what the process is for the agent and how to reach out to casting directors. 

Send us Fan MailA creatives lifestyle is pretty hectic. We balance multiple day jobs, auditions and performing jobs that all have their own schedule. When we think about working out on top of all this? We think there it no way we can do this too. Celeste da Palma is a fitness coach specifically for performers. Celeste has designed workout and nutrition plans to benefit and fit into our busy schedules to help creatives achieve their fitness goals. In this episode we talk about how to implement some fitness structure, some myths, nutrition facts and workout plans. Instagram - @celeste_performerfitness

Send us Fan MailI am happy to confirm that this episode, when listening back in the editing room, did not sound as depressing as the title may suggest. Therefore, 'Surviving Rejection' has made its final reveal on the podcast. Surviving rejection is a hard topic to talk about as it is the biggest challenge that all creatives have to navigate and come to terms with. I am going to try and attempt to rationalise the very odd feeling of rejection and maybe even motivate you. As promised, please see two resources I talk about in this episode that may help you. Jim Carrey's Commencement Speech YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyjdMK9BudMThe Mindset Mentor Podcast by Rob Dial - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-mindset-mentor/id1033048640

Send us Fan MailYou may recognise my guest this week from the original Waterloo Road series as Zack Diamond. Lee Abbate has been acting professionally from the young age of 14 when he landed his first job on Waterloo Road. Since then, Lee went on to work on Shameless, Coronation Street, Doctors and more. We discuss growing up in the TV industry, how to gain your power back as an actor and general creative advice.

Send us Fan MailWorking in the film and TV industry is a goal every actor wishes to achieve but acting on screen can seem really intimidating. There is a lot of equipment pointing at you that tries to take you out of your performance. How do we get over this?This week I am very lucky to speak to Natalia Kostrzewa who runs her own screen acting studio in London called 'Owning it.' Natalia's credits include Line of Duty, Black Mirror, Out There, Fool Me Once and more. We talk about self tape technique, acting on set and networking. Resources: Mel Churcher's interactive book 'A Screen Acting Workshop.' Michael Caine 'Acting in Film' book. Instagram - @owningitactingstudioWebsite: https://www.owningitactingstudio.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZMJpxjmb1SswCBlLY4ExDeJQk-m297BhSQ9axqXoUnpMwcs3HZjYvc3ps_aem_wulzbxgYvdQseYrB3aLi3w

Send us Fan MailHave you ever thought about moving countries to pursue your acting career? It may have been an idea or dream of yours but you didn't know where to start. Shelby Corley, my lovely guest this week, moved from LA to London to pursue her acting career. She tells us why it was one the best decisions she ever made and what the whole transition period was like.

Send us Fan MailThis week I am joined by Vanessa Shanessa Jenkins aka Sarah Penney. Sarah has gone viral on TikTok for her amazing Nessa impressions from Gavin and Stacey, but she is also an Actor and Producer for theatre. I get to talk to Sarah about her acting and producing journey alongside her new career as a 'Nessa Jenkins impersonator'. Sarah Penneys TikTok - @sarahlouisepenney

Send us Fan MailFirstly, welcome back to Season Three of The Actor's Waiting Room Podcast!Talking to your creative community can be a great source of comfort and stability for a performer, but it can also lead to a few myths about the entertainment industry. This week I am going to debug all these rumours that might tie a creative in knots about trying to behave the right way in the audition room, drama school audition room and navigating the acting industry. 

Send us Fan MailWelcome to the final episode of The Actor's Waiting Room Season 2. This week I am joined by my creative community and great friends. Josie Bergman, Brittni Shaw and Naomi Bell. Join us for a slightly chaotic Christmas episode where we talk about when we found out Santa wasn't real, family traditions and a unsuccessful Christmas quiz.I want to thank you all for the support you have given the podcast and I will see you in the new year! 

Send us Fan MailAfter opening up her own private practice as a trained family therapist, Jennifer Manocherian committed career suicide by becoming a theatreproducer. Over the years she was involved in producing over thirty shows onBroadway, off Broadway, one in London. At the same time, she returned towriting. She wrote books of two musicals, both of which have been filmed forstreaming. I got to speak to Jennifer about a wide variety of creative subjects that can benefit any creative and inspire anyone who thinks that they can't enter this weird and wonderful industry. Website: www.jennifermanocherian.netand www.newyorkstageandfilm.org ebsite 2:Instagram: @jennifermanocherian

Send us Fan MailI am with the fabulous Deborah Groves this week talking about Dyslexia. Deborah is a mentor and coach for creatives who are neurodivergent and has worked across some big theatre companies such as The Globe, The National Theatre, The Almedia and The Royal Shakespeare Company. This episode is very close to my heart as I am dyslexic myself and  have wanted to raise awareness for this in the creative industry for quite some time now. I hope this episode achieves that either by helping those who are dyslexic understand themselves a bit better or making others aware that there is more than one way to to teach someone who is neurodivergent. Deborah's book 'The Dyslexic Actor' by Nick Hern's books will be published later next year for those seeking more advice. https://www.deborahgroves.com/

Send us Fan MailIt's my first solo episode! I have lived in London for eight glorious years. Three of those were spent in West London (Ealing) when I was at drama school and the other five have been in North London. I was told that I had to stay in London to be able to survive this crazy industry and 'Make it.' In this episode I am going to go through all the pros and cons of living in London to see if this is the only place you can be a successful creative. Here are some useful links that I have used as reference in this episode: - Online CoursesActors Studio at Pinewood Studios – www.actorsstudio.co.uk/home/online-screen-acting-coursesRADA Short Courses: World of Shakespeare – www.rada.ac.uk/short-courses-world-shakespeareThe Why Not Institute – contemporary clowning – www.thewhynotinstitute.com/when-are-the-course- Article   https://kieranvyas.co.uk/guide-actor-outside-london

Send us Fan MailI am joined by my two favourite guys this week, Jay O'Connell and Louis Sparks! In the past 9 months, Jay and Lou have developed not one but TWO creative businesses. VRC Studios, a headshot portfolio house designed to give creatives an affordable kick off into the industry, and Fraction Productions, a videography company that promotes a wide range of brands. We talk about how to start a creative business, what freelance life is like and even headshot advice.  Check out their work below: Instagram - @vrcstudios and @fractionproductionsWebsites - https://vrcstudios.com/ and https://www.fraction-productions.com/

Send us Fan MailThis week may be the only time I will ever come close to speaking to Tom Hardy.Last year Imogen Eden-Brown decided to lip sync a scene from the film, Legend, reenacting Tom Hardy playing the Kray twins. The Kray twins were 2 notorious gangsters in London during 1950s and 1960s. This scene went viral and she woke up to 3.5 million views and had gained 50,000 followers. Come listen to this hilarious yet crazy story as Imogen now navigates her acting and TikTok career. 

Send us Fan MailImagine going to an arty independent theatre bookshop, and realising at the back of it, you have a gorgeous little creative space where they host acting workshops. This my friends, is 'Acting Practice'. Joseph Samimi runs these workshops weekly from this amazing space in Waterloo,  and he has kindly come on the podcast to talk about a whole variety of subjects within the creative industry. You can attend Acting Practice workshops every Wednesday 12pm-3pm & 6pm-9pm at the Calder Bookshop & Theatre in Waterloo. Follow Acting Practice on Instagram @acting__practice Website https://actingpracticeworkshop.com/

Send us Fan Mail'The Corn is Green' ran at the National Theatre here in London from 12th April — 11th June 2022. The cast was huge, starring Nicola Walker, Saffron Coomber and my guest for this episode, Megan Grech. Megan reveals what it is actually like behind the scenes of 'The Corn is Green.' From what her life was like before auditioning, to taking her first steps onto the National Theatre stage. Her story is truly inspiring, funny and completely relatable. One that all creatives should listen to. 

Send us Fan MailMy first guest for Season Two is.... Alison J Price (My Mum). After a lot of convincing, mum accepted my request to come on the podcast. This week we are going to be talking about the relationship between a parent and a child who wants to become a creative. So if you are a creative already and still your parents don't really know what you do or you are thinking of taking a new creative career path and the family aren't quite onboard - maybe get them to listen to this episode. If anyone still wishes to guess Alison's middle name, the comment section on any of the platforms are open wide for you to guess. WAatndki97wBemEyF81Q