Q1. How long have you been a member of Organik B.L.U?
A1. I have been a member for roughly 6 months.

Q2. What was your purpose of joining Organik B.L.U?
A2. I wanted to network with likeminded women and wanted to get to know other black lesbians

Q3. How long have you been an actress?
A3.I have been a professional actress for six years. I left drama school in 2003.

Q4. What/who inspired you to become an actress?
A4. I have always wanted to be an actress as far back as I can remember. When I was a young girl I used to live near Italia Conti stage school in south London and used to see actresses like Bonnie Langford and Lena Zavaronie attending classes there. I saw them on TV and wanted to be just like them.

I would beg my mum to send me to Italia Conti but her answer was always ‘no’. She preferred me to take part in church activities but this wasn’t what I really wanted to do. I used look through the window and cry.

Q5. What would be your ideal role as an actress?
A5. A strong woman; one who is able to show vulnerability and depth. Many of Shakespeare’s female characters portray this. I would love to play Lady Macbeth.

Q6. Who is your favorite actress and why?
A6. I have a few - one of them is Bette Davies. I have always been in awe of her.
Another is Cicely Tyson, she was a very powerful and deep actress. Also, ‘Sybil’, a film in which Sally Fields starred, was what gave me the inspiration to become an actress. Sally’s performance was both convincing and outstanding in this movie. All of these actresses have contributed to where I am today but my ultimate inspiration has got to be Whoopi Goldberg. I mentioned in my drama school application that I would become Britain’s answer to Whoopi if they offered me a place!

Q7. Who is your favorite actor and why?
A7. Al Pacino - all of his films have moved me; From ‘Scarface’ to ‘Scent of a Woman’, he is completely consumed in character. He is so exciting to watch. I feel the same way about Denzil Washington and Sydney Poitier - I love Sydney - I used to think he was my dad!

Q8. How would you describe your state of mind while playing a role?
A8. Completely in that moment - whatever scene I am doing, whatever character I am playing I endeavor to completely absorb the moment. It’s not always achievable but I always aim to do this. It is important for me to prepare myself mentally and physically before I go on stage. This is what drama school taught me to do. This preparation is essential for me to feel relaxed and confident whilst performing.

Q9. How would you describe Lorna Gayle?
A9. I am a fun-loving person and like to look on the positive side of life. My mother has always been very positive and has instilled this within me. I am a hopeless romantic and can be quite vulnerable at times. I am very creative, not just in my work - I make a great jerk chicken! I can be vain but more in the sense of taking pride in my appearance. I love learning about people and I enjoy learning about myself - I just love and appreciate life.

Q10. You run a weekly drama group for young people and women, tell me more about this project
A10. Yes – it’s called G UP Drama, which stands for Gathering Unleashed Potential.
This project started in summer 2008 and it was an initiative to get the youngsters off the streets and to give them something to do.

The women’s project is about sharing ideas and stories. I feel that women have great stories which need to be told. I want to give back what I had learned, not only from drama school but also from my own knowledge of life. There are a lot of things wrong within our society. I don’t have all the answers but I know there are things I can do to help.

Q11. You used to run a monthly dance for women called Blessence, what’s happening with that now?
A11. It’s still going, but not monthly. My career takes up a lot of my time but blessence is still very precious to me and I will always keep the momentum going.

Q12. What has been the greatest lesson you have learned being an actress?
A12. Acting is all about being in the moment - being the character rather than playing the character.

Q13. What are the downsides of being an actress?
A13. The lack of consistent work and roles available for mature black women.

Q14. Where do you see yourself in 2 years time?
A14. I see my drama school expanding and many of my young pupils achieving their dreams.

Q15. What has been your biggest accomplishment?
A15. Definitely raising my son, Nathan. He is such a talented, wonderful man who is great to be around.

Also, at 35 years old I went back to college to study Performing Arts and then went on to complete a three-year professional acting degree. I graduated at 40. I surprised myself.

Q16. Have you ever written your own play?
A16. Yes! I wrote a play called ‘Got to Find a Way’. The title is from a song I recorded in 1985. I was very pleased with the performance; it received rave reviews.

Q17. Have you had the privilege of directing a play or a film?
A17. Yes, I have directed several plays, including all G UP productions.
I have also directed a play called ‘Missing’, for Talawa Theatre Company. It was shown in 40 schools around London and received great reviews. It was a wonderful experience.

Q18. I know you are a woman of many talents, so what else do you have up your sleeves?
A18. I am also an Assistant Editor for ‘blessence magazine’ which is an extension of my club night. The mag is basically on-line informative pages which highlight the lifestyle and raises the profile of lesbian women of colour. The Editor, my partner, Jai Henrietta, is the brainchild behind the publication. Check it out here http://www.blessencemagazine.com

Q19. What advice would you give to someone who wanted to become and actress?
A19. Join a local drama group - G UP drama is always available! Or enroll onto a Performing Arts course. Acting is very competitive and there will be long spells without work, be prepared for this. It’s advisable to have another source of income during these times.

Q20. What last words of encouragement would you like to leave for our members and visitors?
A20.Always follow your dreams. Whatever you want to do, never stop learning or believing in yourself.

Lorna Gayle
www.lornagayle.com
www.myspace.com/lornag