Critically acclaimed actress, cultural writer, and director Cherrelle Skeete is set to shine as co-lead alongside Arinze Kene in the highly anticipated production of ALTERATIONS at the National Theatre, opening February 20th—the theatre’s biggest staging yet. Under the direction of Lynette Linton, known for her work on Blues for an Alabama Sky and Shifters, the play reinvigorates Michael Abbensetts’s era-defining comedy that illuminates the Guyanese experience in 1970s London and the aspirations and sacrifices of the Windrush generation.
With an impressive body of work spanning acclaimed theatre productions like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Beneatha’s Place, as well as screen appearances in Magpie, Hanna, and Inheritance, Cherrelle’s talent and vision—further highlighted by her role as co-founder of Blacktress UK—solidify her standing as a powerful voice in the industry.
Here, Cherrelle reveals all about the little luxuries in her life…
- When I need to reset, I always… check if I’m breathing into my belly, Dance and whine my waist it pushes things round and out that needs to go.
- To make ordinary tasks feel special, I… see them as a gift to my future self, music helps everything feel like a dance.
- The ritual that helps me feel connected to myself is… chanting it reminds me I’m in Rhythm with the universe and every opportunity is a chance to turn what feels poisonous into medicine.
- A piece of art that inspires me… Sister Outsider, a collection of essays by Audre Lorde, I return time and time again for her gems of wisdom. It’s poetry.
- My room service order is… Prosecco, My Moms Ackee and Saltfish, Breadfruit, provisions and then Peppermint Tea to digest.
- When I’m travelling I always treat myself to… a meal that feels like a gift to myself. My family are in Birmingham so even when I’m getting on trains that is something I try not to compromise on.
- When I have time to myself, I love to… catch up on my audio books, podcast, and old RnB album from the 90-2000’s.
- I feel most connected to others when I… allow myself to be fully present and then I am fully myself. Sometimes it’s connecting through dialogue and hopefully being comfortable enough to sit in silence.
- My favourite scent is… fresh lavender and recently enjoying sage and palesanto. I’m an essential oil lover.
- I love collecting… period. It’s in my DNA to hoard so I’m unlearning that. I’m getting in the habit of doing regular clear outs.
- A song that brings me joy… Pump Me Up by Krosfyah but any Soca gets my heart pumping and I feel like I’m In sunshine. The band Krosfyah is a family fave, reminds me of family parties at my grandads house. My dad would beat the Rhythm with a spoon and a beer bottle or glass.
- My skincare routine isn’t complete without… a good face massage and sleep.
- I feel the most beautiful when I… have had a fresh haircut these days. Every haircut feels like I’m letting go of what’s not serving me.
- To celebrate, I treat myself to… some kind of experience with my loved ones. When I win so do we.
- A city with a special place in my heart… Birmingham will forever be in my heart. It’s where my love for community and grassroots arts started. It’s a melting pot of so many cultures and lots of talent.
- My favourite food in the world is served… by my mom, I love her Ackee and Saltfish. It’s Jamaica’s National Dish.
- On a Sunday morning you can find me… relaxing with Sage my Russian blue cat, in my yoga class or depending on the week before warm under my duvet catching up on much needed sleep.
- If I was given £1,000,000, I would… My nearest and dearest are heading to the Carribean for some much needed sun, these winter months can be hard, dark and cold. I’d also invest in supporting up-and-coming artists and creatives who need a little boost.
Then, I’d throw the wildest celebration, a festival with live music, theatre, spoken word, and hire my favorite performers from around the world like Janelle Monae, Laura Muvula, Robert Glasper, Erykah Badu, Fatou Diarwara, Tank and the Bangers, Alison Hinds, Kes to keep the good vibes going!
I’d give a chunk back to fund Birmingham Carnival, I want future generations to experience the liberation of carnival that was brought over by the windrush generation. The regions outside of london even more need spaces where art and access to culture is free.
