SPOTLIGHT: Mr Kadiff Kirwan

Jacket - Nanushka at The Outnet, Trousers - Tod’s, Shoes - A Cold Wall

Photography - Tom J Johnson

Interview - Taj Hayer

Styling - Koulla Sergi

Fashion Assistant: Jolyon Michael

Grooming - James Catalano at The Wall Group using Kiehl’s and Dyson 

Actor Kadiff Kirwan recently starred in the BBC critically acclaimed adaptation of This Is Going To Hurt alongside Ben Wishaw, and the award winning mini-series Time alongside Stephen Graham and Sean Bean. He is currently starring in the AppleTV+ series Slow Horses with Gary Oldman and will be seen in Everyone Else Burns with Simon Bird out in January 2023.

Jumper & Trousers - Acne Studios at The Outnet, Shoes - Tod’s

Cardigan - Wax London, Trousers - Missoni

Tell us about This Is Going To Hurt

It’s the story of Adam Kay, a comedy drama series based on his best selling book about his time as a junior doctor. It focuses on his life working on an obstetrics and gynaecology ward in a NHS hospital. It was one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever been apart of. I play a junior Doctor called Julian who on the surface seems to be Adam's work nemesis.

And a little something about Time?

Time is a BBC drama series by the legendary screenwriter Jimmy McGovern in which I starred alongside the titans Stephen Graham and Sean Bean as well as a host of brilliantly talented working class actors from the north. The show is a commentary on the British penal system and the vulnerability of both its staff and inmates. It was a harrowing drama to be a part of, but despite the bleak premise it was so much fun to shoot. We shot on location in a decommissioned prison and boy oh boy was that sobering. That alone will keep me on a clear path for the rest of my life.

You’ve been in a few shows deemed to be “dark comedy” (Fleabag/ I May Destroy You). Do you think its true that they portray more real-life comedy protagonists than before?

I do believe that yes. I find that being able to lean into both the dark and comedic moments really give you a more rounded representation of what life really is. Even in the darkest of moments we as humans manage to laugh, and vice versa. And shows like I May Destroy You and Fleabag do it so damn well.

Jacket - Nanushka at The Outnet

Would you do theatre work again?

Oh absolutely! There is nothing quite like the feeling of live performance, it’s thrilling and terrifying and makes you want to do it over and over again. I long to be back on the stage… in a short run though. I think something would have to extra special for me to want to do it on stage for more than 6 months.

What was it that inspired you to be an actor in the first place?

I found drama sort of accidentally when in secondary school - it ended up being a place I could channel a lot of my teenage angst. If I weren’t an actor I’d have probably been an accountant. I loved numbers whilst growing up.

What was your training like?

Drama school was an experience like no other. I went to Central School of Speech and Drama and that place provided me with the discipline I needed to become an actor. Like many schools, Central was pretty behind when it came to diversity. But I would say I got what I needed out of it. And nothing can quite prepare you for the industry itself. You end up learning allot on the job by watching other great actors do their thing.

Did you ever consider a career in any other creative area aside from acting? 

An accountant. But I also write for TV so there’s that. Which is coming along nicely.

Shirt - Amiri at The Outnet, Trousers - Nanushka at The Outnet, Vest - Uniqlo, Boots - Prevu

How would you describe Slow Horses to those that are not aware of it yet?

Slow Horses is about a motley band of misfits. It follows a team of British intelligence agents who serve in the dumping ground department known as Slough House due to their career-ending mistakes. The branch is ran by boss Jackson Lamb played by the phenomenal Gary Oldman. I joined the cast in season 2 playing Marcus Longridge, a man with a serious gambling addiction which has resulted in him being demoted to Slough house. It's been one of my career highlights being apart of this show with such an incredible cast. The show is now playing on Apple TV+.

Full look - A Cold Wall

What are you working on now and next?

Slow Horses is currently streaming weekly on Apple TV+. And I’m in a new Channel 4 comedy series called Everyone Else Burns’s. Which will be airing on Channel 4 in the new year. Its a coming-of-age comedy about a Mancunian family and the puritanical Christian sect they are devoted to. Its unlike anything I’ve done before and it’s such a bold and original show. 

Slow Horses is on Apple TV+ now.

Follow Kadiff Kirwan on Instagram.