Little known to many, Colombian born Griselda Blanco amassed a staggering drug empire, in 1970s and 80s Miami – unsuspecting to many around her, and with this, enduring a life of brutality and ambition that would inevitably result in an ascent to power. Supported by her right hand man – Rivi Ayala, Griselda would gain the reputation as the ‘Godmother of the Underworld’. Currently a hit Netflix drama available to stream, her story is dramatised by leading Hollywood star Sofia Vergara, alongside multi-award winning actor Martín Rodriguez who takes on the role of Rivi. Enjoying critical acclaim, Martin tells us more about approaching playing the role, working with the cast and crew and what viewers who haven’t yet watched the show can expect.
Hi Martin! You star in the hit Netflix series Griselda currently available to stream now. What feedback have you received towards the show so far?
We are very happy with the results from the series this year, it was very hard work during the whole year of 2022. It is very exciting because it is something that we did from the heart with Latin American actors featuring Sofia Vergara who was very, very generous with everything that she could be, so yeah, we’re very happy!
In a matter of days, the BAFTA Awards will descend on one of the UK’s most prestigious arts venues – the Royal Albert Hall. The annual celebration an acknowledgment of Britain’s finest filmmakers and their undeniable storytelling skillset at both a televisual and filmic level. With a total of 25 categories in all, the nation’s emerging, as well as high profile stars will don the red carpet in anticipation of the evening’s results, and overall, in appreciation of art and how art is expressed. Multi-award winning writer and director Yasmin Afifi is one of this year’s finalists, having been acknowledged for her profound watch Jellyfish and Lobster – a tale of grief told from the eyes of two terminally ill patients faced with this existential reality. Ahead of the ceremony on Sunday 18th February, Yasmin tells us more about exploring this heartfelt narrative further, working alongside a devoted creative team to realise the film and what she’d like for viewers to take away from the film.
A recent graduate of Guildford School of Acting, and currently represented by BBA Management, musical theatre performer Tobias Turley has had a very promising start to his career – starring in Heathers the Musical as Kurt at The Other Palace Theatre and Strictly Come Dancing professional, Giovanni Pernice’s This is Me as lead male vocalist. Currently seen on ITV’s search to find the next Sky Ramand – the lead protagonist in ABBA’s smash his musical Mamma Mia! Tobias currently prepares for the final of I Have a Dream, to air on Sunday 9th December! He tells us more about his experience of the overall audition process.
Classic hit ‘Don’t Leave Me This Way’ is an instantly recognisable pop/synth track transporting all back to the 80s, an energetic, iconic number that instantly gets you moving from The Communards, spent weeks at the no. 1 spot on the UK charts – a testament to the song’s popularity which is still enjoyed to this day. With co-vocals by soul/jazz vocalist Sarah Jane Morris, the band’s unique sound would go on to define the pop sound of the day. Renowned for her tenor/baritone range, Sarah Jane has paved a varied path throughout her career since, fronting bands The Republic and The Happy End and passing on her musical knowledge to future generations. Her latest project The Sisterhood a live choral performance narrating the lives of 10 iconic females musician including Nina Simone and Kate Bush. Set to play at Cadogan Hall on 6th October, Sarah Jane tells us more about her inspirations for creating the show, working with renowned guitarist Tony Remy to produce the show and how her extensive career has shaped her as an artist.