Hello.
Headshot, Ricki Vale 2021
Welcome to my world.
In rehearsals for Othello (National Theatre, 2013)
I sat down to write this "About" section, and wanted to try and tell you about my credits, and highlights in the most professional and stylish way possible.
But in truth
In Performance of Fatzer Downfall of an Egosit by Bertolt Brecht, Directed by Di Trevis (2016)
It wasn't my voice speaking...and I hated it.
So I deleted that.
And have written this instead.
Firstly, I love acting. I always have done and always will. It was my driving force from a very young age, and every decision I have made every day has been with my acting career in my mind.
Now don't get me wrong, having this drive is wonderful....but I also found it exhausting.
In fact.
I found it too exhausting for words. Especially when I ended up in a non creative day job, just because they would be understanding about having to go up for an audition at the last minute. Or if I ever got the job...then disappear for a few weeks.
All I found was I was getting tired.
Creatively...but also in life.
So for the last 7 years or so I have focused on a different part of my life. I became a Personal Trainer called The Gym Starter and have managed to use so much of what I learnt as an actor to help others.
I never stopped acting.
But just stopped letting it dominate my life.
I’ve also been gearing up for a move to Queensland, Australia to be with my fiancee and so for the last 18 months I have been working really hard on making that happen, and now finally at the start of 2021 I can say that I am now living in Australia - with my fiancee. I have a wonderful agent, and am finding work is coming in. Which is all I ever wanted.
I have loved every aspect of my career to date and pride myself on having survived for 15+ years as an actor in London.
Now a new challenge awaits me, and I am going into this with as much passion, drive, and enthusiasm as when I graduated from The Drama Centre in 2008 and was embarking on my career.
I've achieved things in my acting career that when I was 18 and starting Drama School, I would have been so happy to have had these opportunities come my way.
I have:
Screenshot from DFS UK Christmas Commercial Campaign (2015)
Trained at RADA
Trained at The Drama Centre
Worked with an Oscar Winner
Spoken Shakespeare on the Olivier Stage at the National Theatre
Performed in an NT Live Production
Been on National Television
Produced my own film and won film festivals with it
Been to the Cannes Film Festival
Still from film Double Barrelled (Nik Susyev, 2014)
All massive goals of mine that I wanted to achieve in my life. I have a few more like:
Perform for The RSC
Be on the BBC
Be on Netflix
Do my own stunts on a film
And I am sure one day these dreams will come true for me. But if they don't, that's ok.
I've had my fair share of knocks.
But I have had more than enough success.
In perfomance of Othello (2013) at The National Theatre, The Olivier Theatre, Directed by Sir Nicholas Hytner
And when I look back at my successes I am proud of my career.
Considering I achieved all of that being a 6ft 4in lanky 20 something...isn't so bad at all.
What I am trying to say is Welcome.
This is me.
I'm either going to be right for you..
Or I'm not.
I will also be professional as I can be for you, turn up on time, and do a damn fine job for you.
And I cannot wait to hear from you.
But until then,
Have a great day…
If you want to see more of me then click below to view my Showreel:
With Thanks In My Life To...
My Mum and Dad...they have never stopped me wanting to pursue my dreams, they have supported everything I have done and although I know at times its not easy for them to stay strong, they have. And I am eternally grateful for their love, support and kindness every day.
All of my coaches and teachers from my time at The Drama Centre London. My three years there made me who I am today and it will always hold a special place in my heart. Especially to the wonderful James Kemp, Annie Tyson, John White, Andrew Tidmarsh and Glenn Snowden.
My fiancee Taleah. For helping to drive me forward every single day and inspires me to improve, be more creatvie and to continue working on my dreams. She makes everything better and continues to make me a better person every single day.