In our profile series Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything!
This week we caught up with Vivienne Acheampong who plays Mary in Pins And Needles at the Kiln Theatre, opening for a limited run on 19 September.
1. My route into theatre was…
Going to the BRIT school and realising that telling and creating stories could actually be a career for me.
2. My West End idol is…
There are so many people I admire in the industry, I don’t think I can pick just one!
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Sarcastic, funny, caring.
4. My favourite show is…
I have always loved A Streetcar Named Desire. I studied it at school, I’ve watched it on screen and stage and it’s always just so riveting. Blanche DuBois would be a dream character to play!
Paul Mescal and Patsy Ferran in A Streetcar Named Desire at the Almeida and Phoenix Theatres in 2023. Photo by Marc Brenner.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
I still pinch myself that my dream is my career so every job for me a moment of pride and gratitude.
6. The hardest part about my job is…
The uncertainty.
7. If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
The lead singer of a band.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I played the trumpet in my school band when I was younger but I’m still rubbish!
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Don’t get in your own way and don’t let the fear stop you.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Comparison is the thief of joy.
Pins and Needles is a dynamic new play which explores the politics around vaccines, and the human stories behind them. It plays at the Kiln Theatre until 26 October, and tickets start from just £18 – book via Official London Theatre.