SPOTLIGHT: Mr Stephen Odubola

Photography - Nicholas Andrews

Interview - Taj Hayer 

Grooming - Daisy Holubowicz 

Shot on location at The Corinthia Hotel, London 

Stephen wears suit, shirt and shoes from Burberry 

Stephen Odubola is a young man whose star is on the rise. Blue Story, the new movie, posters of which adorn the sides of countless buses is his first feature and it is an impressive debut. 

Odubola plays Timmy, the lead, who at the start of the movie is sent to school in a different neighbourhood where he meets his best friend Marko, whose brother is the leader of a local gang. In parts humorous and romantic, the film is above all, a searingly honest and unflinching account of gang culture. It is an impactful first role for an actor that is destined to go far and Odubola has (rightly so in our opinion) won plaudits for his portrayal of a character that the audience roots for from the start. As the film has its premiere, we sat down with the up and coming talent to talk about the pressures of appearing in a movie like Blue Story and how he felt about walking his first red carpet, (which was in fact blue).

What were the major challenges in playing a character like Timmy? 

Knowing that I had to put a performance on for people was hard. Timmy is relatable to me in a sense where he is from a hard working, London background, from a council estate, I used those things to get into character. It was hard going back to my school days, but this time living that experience through Timmy. Above all, I just wanted to put on a good performance.

What is your favourite scene from the movie?

Definitely the party scene. It reminded me of the times when I was in secondary school and we used to go to house parties. It was sick to relive that moment through film. 

Before Blue Story, were you familiar with Rapman and the Youtube phenomenon? 

Yeah for sure. I remember watching Rahman’s Blue Story trilogy five years ago in my university room with my friends, I thought he really knew how to tell a story. Funnily, about this time last year I actually sent him an email congratulating him on winning best video of the year for Shiro’s Story and that it would be a pleasure to work with him on any other music videos he had coming up. I didn’t get a reply but a couple of months later I got the role of the lead in his first feature film which is great.

How important is it that films like Blue Story are as realistic as it is? 

Yeah definitely. This is a real story and this is happening not only in London but all over the UK. A lot of the time in the media we see a portrayal of thugs and gang members and what they have done but I think its important to see where Timmy has come from. He was a normal and loving kid  and he gets sucked into that life. I don’t think that the story has been told like this before. 

Was there any pressure on leaving drama school, given those that had left there previously?

Yeah. I left drama school because my family just couldn’t afford it anymore. It was a lot of money and my parents were both really hard working and were very supportive but they just couldn’t afford it anymore. So, I had to use my own initiative and research to make my way and break into the industry. It was upsetting having to leave, after seeing how successful John Boyega and Letitia Wright who had come from that drama school and were doing great things. But I’m happy that things started to happen regardless.

What drew you go to drama school?

I remember having an assembly in year eleven about career paths. I had really liked drama which was my favourite subject so I did my research into how to be an actor. It was about the same time that the first season of Top Boy came out and I saw Letitia Wright and was aware of John Boyega. I looked into how they became actors and what drama school they went to so I applied and got in.

What was it like to work with such a big cast of people of the same age?

It was good fun. Everyone was young and fresh. There was a great energy and everyone just bounced off each other. There was no egos and happy to be there and bring the best out of each other.

After Blue Story, what’s next?

I recently wrapped on a TV project which I can’t say too much about but I’m really enjoying the process - the press, the promo, meeting different people in the industry. I’m excited to see the reaction to the film.

How do you feel about the glamorous side of acting and about walking the red carpet tonight? 

It’s crazy! I had eye bags on me a couple of minutes ago. This is all new to me and I haven’t come from an acting background. To be the main character and to walk the red carpet at the premiere is a crazy feeling. I can’t quite explain it.

And finally, what makes a rakish gent?

For me, a rakish gent sounds like a gentleman that isn’t quite a gentleman.

Quick fire questions

Ideal travel destination - Tokyo, Japan

Best store in the world - Harrods

Gadget of choice - iPhone

Go to pair of shoes - Nike Air Max

Brand/ designer of choice - Nike and Burberry

Favorite fragrance - Byredo Afrique

Essential grooming product - My hairbrush

Recommended app - Instagram

Icon -  It’s got to be my Dad. 

Follow Stephen Odubola on Instagram.