Last month saw the release of new BBC Three comedy series Boarders, with Myles Kamwendo playing Omar for his first regular screen character. Boarders is created by Daniel Lawrence Taylor, and Myles worked alongside a cast including Josh Tedeku (as Jaheim), Sekou Diaby (as Toby), Jodie Campbell (as Leah) and Aruna Jalloh (as Femi), with all episodes currently streaming on BBC iPlayer. In the 2022 Netflix film The School for Good and Evil, Myles played Nicholas for the adaptation of Soman Chainani’s book of the same name, with which he attended the London film premiere for his role. We caught up with Myles, who told us about playing Omar in the BBC Three comedy series Boarders, what it was like being cast as Omar in the comedy for his first regular screen character and his time on set of The School for Good and Evil as Nicholas.
How would you describe your character Omar in the new BBC Three series Boarders and what drew you to the role?
Omar is a kind kid who very much enjoys his own company, whether that’s expressing himself through art or anime. He sees the best in people, which is endearing, but that also makes him vulnerable. What drew me to the role was reading the script for the first time, it was great!!!!!
What is Omar like to play and how did you prepare for filming?
Playing Omar was great. I enjoyed going through the process bringing him to life. As actors, it’s important to know your character in and out, asking yourself the right questions, talking to people to gain a different insight to life. Making them real.
How was it reading Daniel Lawrence Taylor’s scripts for the first time and how did you feel finding out you’d be part of the series?
I think I can speak for myself and the actors that were either cast or auditioned, when I say that that script was magnetic. It was raw and gritty, but most importantly truthful. I knew that this was a project I wanted to be a part of. When I found out I got the role, I was excited, I did have to compose myself though as I was on the train.
How did you find the experience on set of a BBC comedy series and how was it having Omar as your first regular screen character?
It was an adjustment for me. I’d never shot a TV show so I didn’t know what to expect. As the days went on, I found my stride and soon everything became second nature. The hardest thing about shooting a comedy (aside from learning several scenes) is maintaining composure during funny scenes (I now understand what the guys in The Office went through!). Omar as my first regular screen character is a delight. Bringing him to life was a great experience and I hope people will love the kind, thoughtful person that is Omar.
What was it like working alongside the rest of the cast and what are some of your favourite highlights from filming?
Working with this cast was a blessing! From the chemistry test to the read-through to set, we all gelled. The five of us (Josh Tedeku, Sekou Diaby, Jodie Campbell, Aruna Jalloh and I) are family now. Every moment with these guys was memorable. I also loved working with Harry Gilby and Dillon Mitra; days on set with these guys felt effortless, truly talented actors.
How did you feel when Boarders was released on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer and who do you think will enjoy watching the series?
Honestly, I was excited for people to finally watch it and see to see all the hard work we put in. It felt like I was waiting for everyone to catch up! Boarders is a show made for everybody, regardless of age, race, whatever.
You played Nicholas in the 2022 Netflix screen adaptation of The School for Good and Evil, what was it like to film?
Filming The School for Good and Evil was phenomenal. It was my first acting gig and I couldn’t ask for anything better. In the three/four months of shooting, I learnt so much on and off set. It was really like school for me. One of my fondest memories was spending time in the warehouse with the stunt crew. They drilled us, from swordsmanship to archery to combat. Aside from that, I made friends with some great actors!
Had you read Soman Chainani’s book before auditioning for the film and can you tell us about your character Nicholas?
I hadn’t read the books prior to the auditions. The School for Good and Evil was new to me, though I later came to find out a couple of friends of mine had read the books. Nicholas is a sweet, valiant Everyboy who comes from a long line of Evers.
What was it like attending the London film premiere of The School for Good and Evil?
It was a great experience! The School for Good and Evil was my first professional acting gig; attending the premiere was a special moment for me.
How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do professionally?
Initially when I was five/six, my parents sent me to Bristol Old Vic youth company. I had no interest at the time, my mind was focused on sports, playing rugby and football. Fast forward seven/eight years, drama was introduced to our timetables and I instantly caught the acting bug, taking it for GCSE and A-Level. I shot my shot with drama schools, I didn’t get in. I decided to go to university and during my time, I landed my first agent. And the rest is history.
Can you tell us about your training and about some of the shows you performed in with Ship & Castle Theatre Company?
Training-wise, I learnt by doing, whether that’s participating in plays at school or with Ship & Castle! With the company, I performed a number of plays, all of them new works. The company gave me the space to learn about acting and helped me grow in confidence, which is key as a performer.
Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?
Yes. I have a list.
My current top five TV shows are:
- The Boys
- Succession
- Atlanta
- Severance
- The Bear
My current top 10 films (in no particular order) are:
- The Last Black Man in San Francisco
- The Shape of Water
- Moonlight
- Her
- 2001: A Space Odyssey
- Remember The Titans
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
- 10 Things I Hate About You
- The Godfather: Part II
- The Godfather
How do you like to spend your free time?
I spend my free time relaxing with family and meeting friends. I do love a trip to the cinema (shoutout to the Watershed in Bristol), playing basketball, writing, reading (I’m currently reading Dune).
What are you hoping this year brings for your career and do you have any projects coming up that you can share?
Honestly, I hope to land a couple of jobs, I’d love to do a feature film, that’d be great. With regards to future projects, we’ll have to wait and see.
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