How did you start out in acting?

As a shy child who preferred to live in the make-believe world of books, my mum sent me to the Anna Scher Theatre in Islington in the hope that I would come out of my shell. I really didn’t like it at first, although it became one of my happiest places and went on to define my childhood in the end. I found that acting was basically losing myself in make-believe worlds and was lucky enough to land my first professional job in the children’s series Mud. I worked consistently for many years, but always felt as if I never really ‘chose’ to be an actor. It was something I fell into at an early age.

What prompted the shift from acting to becoming an agent?

I made some of my best friends and memories at Anna Scher and always wanted to give something back, as she did. I set up my own children’s drama school as a place for children to come along and grow in confidence. When my kids started getting work opportunities, I reached out to my agent friend at InterTalent – formerly Cole Kitchenn – to ask if I could do some work experience. I have just marked my 10-year anniversary here, going from assistant to company director in that time.

What do you wish more graduates knew about the agent-client relationship?

It is one of the most important relationships you will ever have. It’s not the name above the door but the person within that building who you will have the relationship with that is most important. I know there can be so much pressure to sign to an agent when graduating, but you should feel like a team from day one.

What advice would you give drama school students about finding the right agent?

Firstly, realise your worth. I think graduates can sometimes forget that what they are bringing to the table is so valuable. What does the right agent look like for you? Someone who can simply open as many doors as possible or somebody who can nurture you and invest time in guiding you through those early days? Can you communicate with them honestly and openly, which is vital? Do your research!