Darren was born in London England in the 1980s. He gained a scholarship for vocational training at The Urdang Academy where he trained extensively in acting, singing and dance. He graduated in 2007 with honours and went straight into his first show Carmen Jones at The Royal Festival Hall London.
Since then Darren has played lead roles both on the West End and on tour in musicals and he has been a part of UK Hip Hop Dance company BirdGang, gaining much experience performing in commercials, music videos, cast recordings, Bollywood films, short films, student films and events.
Where did you train and what that experience like?
I began my performance training at South London Dance Studios at the age of 16, where I passed various grades in ISTD, and IDTA Tap, Ballet and Modern. I then went on to study full time at The Urdang Academy. As well as furthering my studies as a dancer I trained professionally as a singer and actor.
Did you start performing young?
I first started performing at the age of six at the Notting Hill Carnival Grand Splash where I competed each year for The Crown and won titles a few times such as Best Junior King for Elemu Paddington Arts. I also took tap and ballet classes in my local church hall after school. Even though I loved these classes I stopped taking them because I was teased and bullied at school by other kids for doing ballet.
What is a typical day like for you?
A typical day for me when I am not working would be mostly spent preparing for auditions, going to dance classes, participating in acting workshops or singing in Jazz clubs and gospel choirs. My recent typical working days have been touring the country with The Rat Pack as Sammy Davis Jr.
What’s the best part of dance/performing for you?
I wouldn’t really know where to start but the first thing that springs to mind is the thrill and excitement I feel after I’ve nailed a performance. Also it’s wonderful when you know that the audience has gone on the journey with you throughout the show.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently working on a show called A Harlem Dream at The Young Vic where I play the lead character Salvador (aka Sal) who is the narrator of the story which is set in early 1930s Harlem. Sal is a young black artist struggling with his identity and creative self. I’m also currently performing with The Rat Pack as Sammy Davis Jr.
What is the rehearsal process like for A Harlem Dream – is it a collaborative process with all the dancers and creative team?
The rehearsal process for A Harlem Dream is amazing. It’s an ambitious collaboration of fresh talented actors, dancers, writers and musicians all working together to create a very original ground breaking show.
What is the hardest element of the rehearsal process?
The hardest element of the rehearsal process would have to be time, there simply isn’t enough in one day! We start at 10am and finish at 7pm but I am loving every moment.
Do you have any advice for aspiring performers?
My advice for aspiring performers would be to never give up. The path isn’t always easy and fun, but it’s worth it if it’s what you truly love.
What are you most looking forward to about the performances?
I can’t wait to see how the audience react to our show. I’m also very happy to be performing again with my close friend Ivan Blackstock.