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.
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!
Catching up with Gogglebox and First Dates!
I’ve been a big fan of Julie Andrews since I was little and caught the musical theatre bug with Mary Poppins!
Watching Olivia Colman’s Oscar speech on loop, or facetiming home for some words of wisdom.
Getting a place at LAMDA whilst juggling dissertation writing last year! Very happy that my late night library sessions have come to an end.
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.
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.
Robin Williams, Olivia Colman, Barack Obama (and I wouldn’t be able to stop my dad from inviting himself along!)
Flying with a big group of family and friends to Disneyland for a day of sunshine and Toy Story fun.
Being close to the seaside and beautiful sunsets at all times!
Waiting for the night boat to set off!
Don’t sweat the small stuff!
Watching I’m A Celebrity, and patiently waiting for December 1st when it’s officially acceptable for me to play Michael Bublé on repeat.
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!
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Netflix or Youtube? Netflix
Birthday or Christmas? Christmas always!
Music or podcasts? Podcasts
Big party or small gathering? Big party
