In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time we’re chatting to Cat White who embodies the dazzling and courageous Ruby in Driftwood at the Kiln Theatre, now until 4 July.
1) My route into theatre was…
As a child, writing elaborate shows and forcing my family to sit down and watch me perform them! Then, performing throughout university before a 1 year course at Oxford School of Drama. I got my first job before graduating, in the brilliant The Watsons by Laura Wade which was due to transfer to the West End but sadly got shut down due to covid.
2) My West End idol is…
Sheila Atim. She is a real artist. Actor, playwright, musician – and she does it all with such intelligence and grace.
3) My colleagues would describe me as…
“How do you have this much energy, even on a Monday morning?!”
4) My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
Nine Night. I saw it four times. It was also the first show I took my mum to because I knew she absolutely had to experience it.
5) The career moment I’m most proud of is…
Publishing my debut book, This Thread of Gold. There are no words to describe how it feels to hold your words in your hands for the first time.
6) The hardest part about my job/role is…
Having to constantly be in about six different places at once! Between acting, writing, directing and activism, I spend my life playing elaborate Tetris.
7) If I wasn’t an actor, I would be…
Prime Minister. Someone needs to sort this country out.
8) Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m a qualified Advanced Open Water scuba diver! I’ve even been diving with sharks.
9) The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Celia Imrie taught me: “Always leave before you see the floor.”
She means it as advice about knowing when to leave a party but I also think it also applies to life! Leave while you’re still curious, still growing and excited for what’s next.
10) The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
Having multiple passions isn’t a distraction: it’s your superpower. Yes, you can act, write, direct and work for the UN. You don’t have to choose just one version of yourself. That also frees other people to see their own beautiful possibilities. Shine bright!
Get your tickets to see Cat in Driftwood at the Kiln Theatre now!
