Meet the cast of Drifting
Phoebe, Yarrow, Olivia, Liv and Toby.
We caught up with some of our ARDENT8 actors just before they started rehearsals to see how they’re feeling about their upcoming production Drifting at Southwark Playhouse and their journey on the ARDENT8 programme so far.
So, rehearsals are about to begin. How are you feeling?
PHOEBE: I’m feeling excited to get started and to use the fantastic experience and work we’ve been doing in our workshops to bring this show to life.
YARROW: I am excited to get into the rehearsal room and start to work on bringing to life the script that Andy has written especially for us. Which is an experience I have never had before, and I am very lucky to be a part of.
OLIVIA: Apprehensive, excited and curious. It’s an unusual script, an unfamiliar character and an eerie world. But I’m excited to explore what has been created for us and to work alongside some wonderful people.
LIV: Can’t wait to get back into the room with everyone and see what we can make!
Toby: Excited to see everybody's first thoughts on their characters and I cannot wait to see how that will develop throughout the two weeks.
OLIVIA: I’m also curious to see what will be discovered during rehearsals and learn of everyone’s interpretations of their own characters and meanings behind the words.
PHOEBE: We’ve all gotten along so well and it’s really nice that we’re now getting started on the show together.
Is this your London debut as a professional actor? What does that mean to you?
YARROW: This is my London debut, and I am thrilled to be able to do this. As a Northwest based actor, London can feel out of reach and unattainable in not only distance but difference in cost of living, so this opportunity not only makes in attainable but also financially viable.
OLIVIA: This is my London debut, and it’s not an opportunity I’m taking lightly.
LIV: It’s a bit nerve wracking but also so exciting! I never really considered that I would ever be able to live and work in London as an actor, so I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity.
TOBY: It's a place I've always wanted to move to, but I think very pensively on it now, as I don't consider it the only route. I am looking forward to performing up in London but I'm more so curious on how it will feel internally.
OLIVIA: Our industry is filled with talented actors and creatives waiting for that ‘moment’. Whether it be that one audition, workshop, or meeting; or if it be that step into the spotlight, line to camera, or chance to share their work with the world.
PHOEBE: This is my first time performing as a professional in London which I feel incredibly lucky for. I’m very grateful to have this opportunity and really looking forward to getting started and find out more about how a professional London production comes into fruition.
What are you hoping to get out of this production of Drifting?
LIV: Experience of working and living professionally in London, new industry connections and a wonderful time being a part of the production.
TOBY: I am hoping to meet some great people, definitely get some networking in and to bond with my cast, really feel connected to them and the play.
OLIVIA: I’m hoping to get a foothold. This is still the beginning of a long journey for me, and I want my performance to be memorable. Something that people will watch and say, ‘She deserves to be here’, ‘She deserves a place in our industry’. I hope someone in our audience will see that spark in me.
PHOEBE: I’m hoping to take the knowledge and experience of this show to build on myself as an actor and a performer but also as a professional. Something I try to do as a creative is to always be learning and trying to improve, so I want to take on and learn from this experience and use it to shape myself as an actor and performer.
YARROW: I am hoping to gain experience and learn from my peers as well as Andy and Mark. I am hoping to perform to audiences who wouldn't ordinarily see my work and also to potentially network for future London based work opportunities.
Looking beyond, DRIFTING, what are your hopes for the immediate future?
PHOEBE: I hope to continue to learn and expand myself as an artist and actor through other creative opportunities and to be a part of other work that I feel through my experience with Ardent and Drifting has helped to set myself up for.
LIV: To continue to develop my own creative practice as a theatre maker and performer, with new connections, experiences and exposure to the industry.
OLIVIA: My heart lies in the theatre – it made its bed many years ago – and I’ve never been able to find the feeling anywhere else. When live performance evokes shared experiences within an audience, electricity fills the air. It gives me goosebumps on and off the stage.
YARROW: I would like to continue building my freelance portfolio and build industry connections and performance-based opportunities.
OLIVIA: I’d love to work alongside Mischief Theatre and one day perform at the National Theatre. But I also want to explore the world in-front of the camera, hone skills and discover new ones, and write my own play and take it to fringe festivals.
TOBY: All I want is to get paid to do what I love so dearly. If I can find some more work out of it, or I'm investing in my own stock to get better at what I do then I am happy.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Ardent8 ensemble?
OLIVIA: I first learnt of Ardent while I was studying for my BA (Hons). It was an opportunity just beyond my fingertips – attainable, but something I needed to work hard to achieve.
TOBY: It shows that I'm doing this for a reason. There are people out there who can see me doing this for a job, which means the world to me. In a climate in which many people don't get that same reassurance, it can be a tough nut to crack.
OLIVIA: When I became a member of the Ardent8, I was so proud of myself. I had accomplished a long-term goal and felt as though I were another step closer realizing my dream and becoming a professional actor.
YARROW: This has been such a rewarding experience, the workshops have not only taught me a lot but helped to keep me motivated and driven when working less industry relevant jobs. I have been able to remind myself of the aspects of acting that I love and make it feel more attainable again.
LIV: It has meant a lot to be given the opportunity to work in the arts in London and to work with such an amazing team. It has opened loads of new doors and opportunities in the industry post-graduation.
PHOEBE: Everyone in the ensemble are such wonderful kind and creative people who I’m really happy I get to work with and experience this journey with. I think I can say that we’ve all really enjoyed doing the workshops together and everyone is really great at supporting and collaborating with each other that I’m sure that it will be the same as we start rehearsals.
For Graduates thinking of applying for the Ardent8 what would you say to them?
LIV: Do it!! It is such a great experience to connect with the industry and meet and work with some amazing people.
YARROW: Absolutely apply. In this industry you need to take as many creative opportunities that you can, and this is accessible, rewarding, you build industry connects, learn new skills and get the opportunity to see and perform in London!
PHOEBE: I think I would say go for it. I have enjoyed every workshop we’ve gotten the opportunity to be a part of and have gained so much from them as well as the days on a whole. As someone who finds London a bit intimidating, it has been a great experience, and I feel more confident now from our first workshop day.
TOBY: You meet loads of great people, you get priceless knowledge and industry information right from the source, and you get to put on a great piece of original work. What's not to love?
OLIVIA: Ardent offers a unique experience that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else. Every workshop is filled with gold dust and nuggets of wisdom which will serve you throughout your career and within the industry.
PHOEBE: I have gained invaluable insights into the industry from amazing people all with lots of different real-life experiences as well as being able to improve and work on our skills and craft in a range of different elements of being a performer and actor.
OLIVIA: But it’s not just about the workshops – it’s about the people you meet along the way. Mark and Andy are marvellous, offering endless support and always going above and beyond. Workshop leaders are wonderful and endless pools of knowledge. And your fellow Ardent8ers will become friends for life - people you’ll want to hold tight to and never let go!
Drifting runs from 18-22 November 2025 at Southwark Playhouse Borough.
CLICK HERE for more information.