Acting alum Gabin
takes on the Globe

Since graduating from UCA with a degree in Acting and Performance in 2019, Gabin Kongolo has not rested on his laurels. From writing and performing poetry to appearing on UK stages and television screens, he’s been – to coin a phrase – booked and busy.

30 Aug 2024

Above, Gabin Kongolo on the right performing in Antony & Cleopatra. Credit: Shakespeare's Globe

Currently he’s treading the boards at Shakespeare’s Globe as Pompey and Decretas in a unique portrayal of Antony & Cleopatra, which includes British Sign Language (BSL) for the first time.

We caught up with Gabin midway through his Globe run, to find out more about this unique show, about his time at UCA and what’s next.

In your stage work, you’ve done a lot of Shakespeare so far, how does it feel to be performing his work at the Globe?
“It’s so funny because I used to hate Shakespeare. Some of my tutors can probably back this evidence up. So going from that to now loving his work and performing it at his home feels like a full-circle journey. Being on that stage is a real blessing, but also a testament of the hard work that’s happened. Shakespeare’s text at first is quite complex, but once you do the work, get underneath the text and understand the words, the freedom you have is endless. Once you pass that barrier, I feel there’s no difference between modern theatre, which is just as enjoyable.”

Your current role is in an innovative new version of Antony & Cleopatra, including BSL – have you had to learn that as part of your own performance and if so, how do you think it has added to your acting?
“Unfortunately, my character doesn’t sign a lot in the show, but I am still actively learning BSL to communicate with my fellow cast and company. However, watching my fellow cast members who can fluently sign and seeing how expressive they are is incredible. I’ve learned so much from them and the techniques they use to tell stories. I’ll definitely use this in my practice moving forward. Even away from my cast, learning BSL has been such a great skill to have. I guess my advice is never downplay your skills and what you can do.”

What would you say were the differences (good and bad!) between performing a Shakespeare play and performing something more modern?
“The thing about Shakespeare that people tend to think, is that it has to be classical and it’s not made for the modern world. But you can make Shakespeare modern, which I think this version of Antony & Cleopatra does so well. There’s a reason why his work is done all over the world, year after year.”

Outside of theatre, you’ve also done a lot of poetry work – do you have anything coming up in that area?
“Well, I’m working on a poetry project with one of the Top 6 football clubs in the Premier League. I can’t talk too much on that right now but it’s very exciting. I’ve also got a poetry book coming out in 2025. It’s all happening!”

And your biography on the Globe website also says you’re featuring in Mr Loverman, the television adaptation of Bernadine Evaristo’s novel – is there anything you can tell us about that experience?
“Mr Loverman was a beautiful experience. I play Young Morris that is a younger version of the lead and I’m a series regular in that. It’s a special TV series that’ll turn heads for sure. Working with legends such as Lennie James, Sharon D Clarke and Ariyon Bakare was a treat and good learning experience.”

So, what skills from UCA did you keep, skills you still use today?
“So many. But the biggest ones I would say are the warm-ups (physical / vocal) and also text techniques and figuring out the clues in the text that can help you build your character. These are my day-to-day things that will never leave me and are embedded in my practice.”

What were the highlights of your time at UCA?
“I grew a lot during my time at UCA, I learned a lot about life and gained so much life experience, which is so important as a performer. All these things you experience during these three years are all tools and references to creating a character / performance. I also think the friends I made are people I’d say are friends for life and I’ll always be grateful that UCA was the place where I met them.”

With those things in mind what top tips or advice would you give to current acting students?
“Be yourself. The industry needs your voice and your story. Never try to be the ‘the next’ person you look up to - be ‘the first’ because you are you and no one can replicate that. I’d also say watch TV / Film / Theatre. See how you get inspired by performances and productions. It may help you visualise the career you want and set for yourself.”

You can still see Gabin at Shakespeare’s Globe, with Anthony & Cleopatra running until September 15, and you can find out more about Gabin’s work on his Instagram page. Or if you want to follow in Gabin’s footsteps, you can check out our BA (Hons) Acting page.