My first ever job was playing Milly in Annie at the Pleasance Theatre in 2003. I must have been no older than seven. The theatre had sent flyers to all the local schools for an open casting. My mum found one of the flyers in my backpack and asked me whether I wanted to audition.

I was the sort of kid who forced anyone around me to watch my renditions of Beyoncé’s greatest hits... complete with choreography, of course. So, naturally, I said yes.

We turned up for the audition and I managed to get the only part with one line – I was elated. When it came to the performance, I said that one line with such pride and honour that I even got a mention in a review. I enjoyed every moment of it but never continued to do any acting work as a child.

Cut to graduating from RADA in 2019. One of my earliest auditions was for Philip Ridley’s play Tarantula. I got down to the final two but, unfortunately, wasn’t cast on that occasion. Fast-forward to 2025 and I received an email from my agent asking whether I wanted to be seen for it again. I jumped at the chance. I had grown so much as an actor in the interim and, with a lot more experience under my belt, I knew I would seize the opportunity with both hands.

That is exactly what I did and, this time, the outcome was different: I found out I’d been cast in the title role, Toni. It’s a one-woman show premiering on September 15, and here is the advice I’d give to any actor starting out based on this little story: say yes to opportunities, no matter how small.

Every role matters, every setback teaches you, and what’s meant for you will find its way back when you’re ready.