"My top tips to young aspiring actors are as follows: you have to be thick-skinned and passionate. Remember you’re not going to get everything you want. Think about longevity; love what you do. Remember to do something that you love."
Martins Imhangbe came to Lewisham Southwark College for three years. From 2007-2009, Martins studied Level 3 Performing Arts BTEC and then applied for drama school. His drama school application was rejected, but he was encouraged by staff to continue his studies for another year and then reapply; to not give up on his dream.
From 2009-2010, Martins studied UAL Diploma Technical Theatre at the College. It was the rejection from his first drama school application which made him turn a corner and focus on what he wanted to do; where he wanted to get to. Martins then reapplied, and was accepted into The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He graduated in 2013.
What happened next?
Martins landed the lead role in a play called LionBoy. The play started at the Tricycle Theatre in London, but later took him all over the world – performing on Broadway as well as in South Africa, Hong Kong and South Korea (to name just a few). LionBoy ran from November 2014 – April 2015.
Whilst in this lead role, Martins was seen by the director of new play Luce. Luce follows the story of a boy, born in a war-torn country, adopted by two white American parents. Following an audition, he was selected to play the lead in Luce, which opens at Southwark Playhouse on 09 March 2016 – starring alongside TV personality Mel Giedroyc (of Mel and Sue, The Great British Bake Off).
Looking back and long-term goals
Martins puts a lot of his success down to all the passionate teachers who taught him from the beginning, and thanks them for never giving up on him, and giving up their free time to rehearse and continue to help with monologues and audition preparation.
He has a real passion for acting in theatre, TV and film. Martins also has aspirations to be a director. His favourite type of play is collaborative: where actors, musicians and dancers are all part of the play, using their bodies as entwining parts of the story.
Advice for aspiring actors
“My top tips to young aspiring actors are as follows: you have to be thick-skinned and passionate. Remember you’re not going to get everything you want. Think about longevity; love what you do. Remember to do something that you love.”
