Shavani Seth
Youngers was another example of the fresh, exciting talent coming through in the UK, with E4's latest comedic drama keeping up both the traditions of Misfits and showing that Lodon 2012 spirit that we're all still trying to cling on to.
With the show now out on DVD, we spoke to one of its trio of stars Shavani Seth about the great atmosphere on set, singing on camera and cake.
So for those yet to watch the show, what can you tell us about Youngers and Davina?
Youngers is about two best friends, Yemi and Jay who are trying to break into the grime music scene and we see their journey. Along the way they meet a girl called Davina, who becomes the singer of this group they form called 'The Youngers'.
Davina is very much the sassy, outspoken member of the group. She's the one who thinks before she speaks though, unlike J. She's an only child and gets pretty much whatever she wants from her dad and is very mature for a 16 year old.
What first attracted you to Youngers and Davina?
She's different from any other character I've played, I usually get cast as the girl next door. While in some ways she's similar to that, I've never had to sing before on camera, so that was something totally different. That was what attracted me to the part, because it was a challenge and us actors love a challenge. Also, I'm now 23, so it was good to go back to that and tap into those days and how I felt back then. When you're 16, your hormones are raging and it was nice to tap into those times and bring that to Davina.
This is the first time you've sung somewhere except the stage, did that make you nervous a tall?
it was really nerve-racking. When I first got the audition, I put in loads and loads of singing with my singing tutor as I had no idea how singing on camera would turn out. I was really lucky though, as after I got the role, E4 gave me extra singing lessons with one of the best singing tutors out there. That really helped me to find my voice.
Davina definately takes on a new persona when she gets on stage. Did you have to do a little of that for the singing?
Yeah, I took a leaf out of Davina's book. When Davina's herself, she lacks a little bit of confidence. When she gets on stage and becomes this diva though, she totally changes. It's almost like her alter ego, like Beyonce and Sasha Fierce. I had to keep that in mind and think 'This is not Shavani going on stage, this is the diva. Let go of all the insecurities and just have fun up there.' I just kept thinking that, as this can be quite a scary thing and it was definately a big hurdle to get over.
The show's got a great energy to it, do you think it's a good reflection of the good things happening in London right now?
There's so much happening in London right now, and this just shows a tiny portion of that. The music world is really exciting in London and that we can show what's happening in South London is so good. There's so much vibrancy in the show, as this is a really young cast too and that means that there's great energy and chemistry and I just hope that comes through.
So the feeling was good on the set then?
It was amazing. I knew Calvin (Jay) before Youngers, so it was great to work with him again and when we met Ade (Yemi) and as soon as they put us together in the auditions the chemistry was there. So on set, it was like we'd known each other for years and it was really enjoyable.
We also had the Mandem on The Wall guys and while they're so silly on the show, you just speak to them normally and they're just so humble. it was so much fun on set and I really can't remember a point where there was any tension, it was always fun to be there.
The show got some great reviews when it first hit the screens, but what feedback have you had personally?
It's been so overwhelming. After the first episode I checked my phone and I was speechless at the response the show and Davina was getting. I was only in that first one for a tiny amount of time! As the series went on, it just kept getting better and better.
People really loved the character of the diva. She brings something different to the group and always keeps it playful. There are now loads of young teenagers asking me how I got into the industry and I'm just like 'Wow, I used to be that person who would do that'.
I would always go the theatre, or watch a show because an actor was amazing and I used to find out everything about them, and now people are asking me questions? It's just been so overwhelming and I've been humbled and blessed to have this opportunity and maybe even be a role model of others.
You've been all over the world acting, did it ever get really tough?
You know what, I never thought it would get this far. I only ever did acting because I loved it and that I got to travel at such a young age, I was just living for the moment and enjoying it all. I never really had time to think 'I'm not doing this and that'.
The one thing was that when I first got an agent and was doing auditions, I just didn't take it seriously as it was all still a bit new to me. When I didn't get the roles though, I took it very personally. In this industry, you have to have thick skin, as most of the time you do get rejected. When you get that call saying yes though, it's the most amazing feeling ever.
Just keeping true to yourself and not letting the rejection get on top of you is important for you moral and you've just got to keep enjoying it. It's such a blessing to be able to do what you love to do as your career.
Speaking of passions, we hear you have a bit of soft spot for cake....
I do. From when I was little, all my birthday cakes have been incredible. Then I found out there was cake shops where you could have them designed! I used to make cakes too . On a Saturday, my cousins would come over and I'd bake for them and I used to experiment with desserts for my parents and sometimes they were just awful! My family would just have to grin and bear it though, as some of them were really nice. As I've gotten older and now have my own money it's worse. I swear half my money goes on cakes and desserts. It's really bad (laughs).
So, what's next for you in 2013?
Hopefully, I'll be doing a lot, lot more on screen as well as getting back onto stage. Recently I did a reading for an amazing new play and it was really nice to be back there, it's so different than TV or film. I would love to do a blockbuster though, so if anyone out there is making one, just let me know and I'm sure we could work something out.
Youngers is on DVD and Blu Ray now.
Tagged in TV