Last year, Jarlan Bogolubov started his role as Luca Morris in So Awkward Kids Camp and continued his regular character role in the CBBC spin-off series So Awkward Academy, working alongside a cast including Cleo Demetriou from the original So Awkward show. Further screen projects for Jarlan have seen him play Theo in the Netflix sci-fi series 3 Body Problem, be in the cast of Wicked: Part One, and he is filming a project over this summer. In Tannhäuser, Jarlan played Young Shepherd at the Royal Opera House last year, and he made his professional and West End debut in the original cast of Leopoldstadt as Young Jacob before the coronavirus pandemic closed theatres around the world. Talking with Jarlan, we found out about playing Luca Morris in So Awkward Kids Camp and So Awkward Academy, being part of the Netflix sci-fi series 3 Body Problem and performing at the Royal Opera House in Tannhäuser.

Can you tell us about your character Luca Morris in So Awkward Academy and what is he like to play?

Luca is a sophisticated and creative child. He is often cited as a grown man trapped in a boy’s body. He enjoys cooking, painting and turning his hand to pretty much anything and wearing suits. He’s a bit OCD and hates insects. I enjoy playing Luca as it allows me to explore parts of life that I otherwise wouldn’t, we are very different!

What is it like on set of the show and how is it filming alongside the rest of the cast?

On set, there is a very friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Everyone is kind, funny and wants to work together. Jason Wingard, who directed the first block, is an extremely laid-back character who offers clear direction. Alex, who directed the second block, offered a lot of advice and I’ve learnt a lot from both of them. The adult cast have been very welcoming and acknowledge that we are relatively new to this (being child actors), which is nice. The child cast are all lovely, we bounce off each other a lot and I get on particularly well with Zak, played by Sean Gordon. We are always pranking each other.

Is there anything you are enjoying most about working as a regular character on a CBBC show?

So Awkward is my biggest ever TV role, I love the challenge of being on top of my acting every single day over the course of a three-month filming period. I also obviously enjoy the screen time and making my character my own.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked the role of Luca for the 2023 release of So Awkward Kids Camp?

I actually learnt the audition script whilst on set for 3 Body Problem as I had quite a tight deadline. A few weeks later (after recalls), I came home from school and my mum and sister told me I had a self-tape to film, then once my mum started filming, my sister told me the news. There’s still a video of me screaming and running up and down the stairs with excitement on my mum’s phone.

What was So Awkward Kids Camp like to film and how was it seeing the fan response to the release?

It was so much fun, we all lived together on location in a castle in Todmorden, where it was filmed. We explored the beautiful Yorkshire Dales with my family on weekends. It was funny seeing the fan response as I didn’t expect there to be any!

How much did you know about So Awkward before auditioning and how is it being part of the spin-off series?

My sister used to always watch the show, so I was quite familiar with it and was very excited to audition. I’m glad to be part of the spin-off series as it offers great learning opportunities and a chance to show my acting and comedic side to the world.

You play Theo in an episode of the new Netflix sci-fi series 3 Body Problem, how would you describe Theo and what was the show like to film?

Theo was a curious child and was the first to challenge the helicopter landing on the boat. The set was phenomenal, the level of professionalism was breathtaking and the snacks were really good. It was an honour to work alongside acting royalty and be directed by the wonderful Minkie Spiro.

Last year, you were performing on stage in Tannhäuser as Young Shepherd, how did you find the experience performing at the Royal Opera House?

The first time I heard the voice of an opera singer I was taken aback, quite literally. It’s the biggest theatre I have ever performed in and being given a standing ovation was an unforgettable experience.

What was it like working on an opera production and was there anything that drew you to the project?

I had auditioned for a few operas at the Royal Opera House over the course of a few months, getting down to finals each time before I booked Tannhäuser. It’s such an incredible space and I really wanted to be involved in a very different project. My chaperone, Griselda, was notably nice and has chaperoned me on other projects since!

How was it making your professional and West End debut in Leopoldstadt in 2020 and what was Young Jacob like to play?

It was my first job and I didn’t know what to expect. The cast were lovely, the feeling of performing live was scary but exciting and playing quite a big role was the ideal way to start my acting career.

How had the run been going before the lockdown closed theatres and how was it being part of the original cast?

The run had been going really well before the theatres closed, we had a full house every night. On the night it closed, I had invited two of my teachers from school and Young Leo was sick, so I was set to play both him and Young Jacob. It was very eerie watching everyone coming out of the theatres at the same time and being told the West End was now closed. However, it was incredible to be part of the original cast and work with Tom Stoppard and Patrick Marber and for the play to win an Olivier Award for Best New Play.

Where does your love of acting come from and was it something you always wanted to do?

I first discovered my love of acting through drama at my school. I had a great drama teacher, Ms Bower, who inspired me to stick with it. One day she introduced me to a casting director who was scouting at our school and eventually cast me in Leopoldstadt.

What are some of your favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

The Shawshank Redemption, Wall-E and The Big Bang Theory.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love playing football and I’m part of a Sunday league team. I waste most of my time gaming with my friends and on the occasion I read. Also, I love binge-watching series on Netflix.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping this year brings for you?

I was a part of Wicked: Part One and I am super excited for it to come out, the sets and costumes were out of this world and Jon M. Chu was so friendly and lovely to work with. I’m sure the film will be incredible. I met Bowen Yang, one of my idols. He is a part of Saturday Night Live which I also enjoy watching. This summer, I am filming a project that I can’t disclose yet. I’m excited for the future.

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