Lily at LAMDA

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Saroja Lily Ratnavel is 21 years old and comes from Douglas. She studied at Queen Elizabeth II High School and this summer graduated with a First Class BA(Hons) degree in English Literature. Lily is currently studying at LAMDA for an MFA in Professional Acting.

Lily is the recipient of the Jonathan Gollow Student Award. See more about our student funding here.

Q. What does a typical day look like for you?

On a typical weekday I have classes at LAMDA from 10am-9pm. We have definitely been thrown in at the deep end for our first term, but it has been such an exciting experience so far. Before classes in the morning, I head to a practise studio to do some warm ups. Each day I have a mixture of 6 classes in acting, movement, spoken voice and singing. The classes have definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone, but with such an intense timetable, I’ve learnt so much in just the short time that I’ve been here. I’m really lucky to live walking distance from school, and so after classes have finished in the evening I’ll get home around 9:30pm. I finish off any work for the next day’s classes, make my lunch, shower and head off to bed ready to start again tomorrow!

Q. What is your favourite way to relax?

Catching up with Gogglebox and First Dates!

Q. Who is your favourite Artist and why?

I’ve been a big fan of Julie Andrews since I was little and caught the musical theatre bug with Mary Poppins!

Q. Where do you gather inspiration from?

Watching Olivia Colman’s Oscar speech on loop, or facetiming home for some words of wisdom.

Q. What is your greatest achievement?

Getting a place at LAMDA whilst juggling dissertation writing last year! Very happy that my late night library sessions have come to an end.

Q. What are you most proud of learning in your course so far?

That everything I’m learning is a step in the right direction, and to be proud of the small achievements I’ve made so far.

Q. How did you step out of your comfort zone this year and what did it teach you?

My classes have been both physically and emotionally demanding, but it’s been so lovely to experience all of this as part of a team of classmates, helping each other through highs and lows of term together. Surrounding myself with positive, supportive people has helped me feel more confident and less critical of myself in the things I’ve found difficult.

Q. Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner?

Robin Williams, Olivia Colman, Barack Obama (and I wouldn’t be able to stop my dad from inviting himself along!)

Q. If time/money were no object, what would be your perfect day?

Flying with a big group of family and friends to Disneyland for a day of sunshine and Toy Story fun.

Q. What do you love most about the Isle of Man?

Being close to the seaside and beautiful sunsets at all times!

Q. What do you love the least about the Isle of Man?

Waiting for the night boat to set off!

Q. What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Q. Do you have any recommendations of things you’re loving at the moment (books, TV, Music etc.)?

Watching I’m A Celebrity, and patiently waiting for December 1st when it’s officially acceptable for me to play Michael Bublé on repeat.

Q. Where can we stay up to date with your progress?

All my updates from my LAMDA training so far will be posted on the Arts Council website. I’m so grateful for all of their support!

Quickfire Q&A

Cats or dogs? Dogs

Netflix or Youtube? Netflix

Birthday or Christmas? Christmas always!

Music or podcasts? Podcasts

Big party or small gathering? Big party