Skye Hallam (Class of 2013)
From the College Production here at Esher to the West End and Shakespeare’s Globe!
This September, Esher Alumni Skye Hallam takes on a new role as Classical Acting Teacher and Director at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. From playing Tweedledee in the college production of Alice in Wonderland when she was 16 here at Esher to reprising the role in the West End this summer, Skye has a wealth of experience in television, film and theatre and a huge passion for her work as an actor, director, and teacher. We caught up with her to reflect on her time at Esher, and what this exciting new chapter means to her.
School: Hinchley Wood School
At Esher: 2011-2013
Subjects: Film Studies, Philosophy, Drama and Theatre
Now: Actor, Director and Teacher
Why did you choose to come to Esher Sixth Form College?
One of my teachers told me I had to go to Esher because they could offer more, especially film, which my school didn’t have at the time. I started Esher in 2011, and the support was incredible, and I got so much out of it. I knew I wanted to audition for drama school, and teachers like Jayne in the Drama Department really helped me get there.
Did your time at Esher feel like a turning point?
Without a doubt. I was definitely meant to go to Esher! The way we were treated like adults, it made all the difference. I was so ready for that next step and Esher gave me that. The teachers gave me confidence and respect at a time when that really mattered. That kind of environment prepares you for audition rooms and adult conversations. It made me feel like my perspective mattered.
What stands out most when you look back?
A standout moment for me was performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A group of 10 of us from Esher went with our production of Fast Film Noir, as part of the Braindead Theatre Company. It was an incredible experience.
Another highlight for me was our college production of Alice in Wonderland, where I played Tweedledee. Looking back, it feels surreal, especially since I’ve just finished playing the same role at the Marylebone Theatre in the West End this summer. Even more special was having some of my friends and my former teachers, Jayne and Gail, come to see me perform in London. It’s lovely to have those connections still.
Also, I loved Film Studies A Level, it was just incredible. I got an A and was introduced to films like Pulp Fiction and things I hadn’t seen before. At 16, that kind of exposure was mind-blowing
Was acting always the goal?
My mum’s an actor, so there’s an obvious link, but I didn’t always know. At school I had lots of interests. But when I was about 15, I auditioned for the school production and I did a speech from Romeo and Juliet, it really kicked things off for me. I used the same speech to audition for the National Youth Theatre and got in. That was when I thought this is definitely my sort of vibe.
What was it like to study at RADA?
The interview process was intense. I still remember getting the call on the home phone from Edward Kemp, the head of RADA. I ran barefoot to my best friend’s house, left the front door open, no phone, no keys, it was just pure euphoria. I graduated from RADA in 2016. Now I teach there, and at other places too. It’s funny how things come full circle.
Can you talk us through your career so far?
My first job was at Tara Theatre in Alsfield, where I played the lead in Paradise of the Assassins. From there, I moved into TV and film—my first television role was in The Crown, followed by The Alienist on Netflix. I also did radio work for the BBC and appeared in a film called Intrigo, directed by the same filmmaker behind the original Swedish Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It was surreal—I auditioned for two lines opposite Ben Kingsley and ended up with six scenes alongside incredible actors like Andrew Buchan and Phoebe Fox.
Were there any challenges along the way?
Definitely. I’m mixed race, half Italian, half Indian and sometimes I fall through the gaps in casting. I’ve played everything from a Russian princess to ethnically ambiguous roles, but for something like Life of Pi, which I workshopped before its West End run, I wasn’t considered “Indian enough.” It can be a strange space to navigate.
What have been your career highlights so far?
I’ve written a one-woman show that’s likely to premiere in London next year. I’ve also performed in two productions at the German Street Theatre, one of which earned me an Offie (The Off West End Theatre Awards) nomination for Best Supporting Actor. That was a real highlight.
How has your career in teaching evolved?
My teaching has grown steadily over the past eight years. I now teach at RADA, LAMDA, Central, and now the Globe. It started with workshops at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, and Esher and it’s become a really important part of my career. So now my year is sort of a bit of a bit of writing, a bit of acting, directing and teaching and I love it—it’s empowering and keeps me connected to the heart of the craft.
What’s next for you?
Well, there’s my one-woman show, and of course, my new job at the Globe, that’s a big one! I’ll be teaching and directing classical acting for Rutgers University students from the Mason Gross School of the Arts. The students I’ll be teaching are in their final year of their MFA in Acting, and for most of them, it’s their first time in England. It’s all very exciting and feels like the culmination of a lot of hard work. I know what I’m doing until mid-January. After that? Who knows. But I’m not worried—something always comes up. Whether it’s acting, teaching, or directing, I’m ready and open to whatever exciting opportunities come along!
What’s your favourite chocolate bar and why?
I’m vegan, so pre-vegan, I loved Yorkie—the one that’s marketed as “for men.” These days, I’m all about dark chocolate so maybe Green & Black’s 70%. I especially love it with mint or orange—something with a twist.