We Speak Actors
Spotlight on Actor and Voice-Over Artist Mohsen Ghaffari
Mohsen Ghaffari has earned recognition in both theatre and voice-over work, most notably for his role in Phaedra at the National Theatre, directed by Simon Stone. In this production, he worked alongside a remarkable cast that included Janet McTeer, Assaad Bouab, Paul Chahidi, Mackenzie Davis, and John MacMillan. During the pandemic, Mohsen captivated audiences as Bottom and Egeus in the Australian Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kew Gardens. A British-Iranian actor fluent in English, Farsi, and Dari, Mohsen skillfully performs across all three languages.
Mohsen, can you share how your acting career began?
I started out in Iran, performing in theatre productions. But when I moved to London in 2010, everything changed. I didn’t speak any English at the time, but I was determined to break into the UK theatre scene. I sent over 120 emails to various theatre companies and individuals, asking for an opportunity. Unsurprisingly, no one responded! Looking back, I don’t blame them—I had no idea what I’d written in those emails. My English was so poor that even I couldn’t understand what I was asking for! (laughs) But then, out of the blue, I heard back from the Almeida Theatre. They invited me to join their Young Friends of the Almeida programme. I was ecstatic.
“I attended countless workshops there, and for a while, the Almeida became my second home. I learned so much and I’m deeply grateful for that experience.”
Who were your early inspirations in acting?
Growing up in Iran, I was fascinated by Hollywood films. Actors like Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro were huge inspirations for me. But I was also motivated by those who discouraged me from pursuing acting—especially my parents. I remember a family friend, an actor and director himself, telling my father not to encourage me to become an actor. He said the industry was unstable and full of uncertainty. I remember thinking, If it’s not worth pursuing, why does he continue to work in it? (laughs) And here I am today, doing exactly what I love. I wouldn’t change it for the world.
What has been your most memorable project to date?
That’s a difficult question. I’ve truly enjoyed every project I’ve worked on, each offering its own unique experience. However, if I had to choose, I’d say last year’s production of Phaedra at the National Theatre stands out. “
“Working with Simon Stone and such a talented cast was an unforgettable experience.”
“Simon’s approach to theatre-making was transformative for me as an actor, and it’s an experience I will always hold dear.
Do you have any behind-the-scenes stories you can share?
During the pandemic, I performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Kew Gardens with the Australian Shakespeare Company. It was an outdoor performance, and we had a small tent backstage for costume changes. One evening, while I was getting changed, a woman entered the tent and asked to speak with me. I had to laugh and say, “Let me finish dressing first!” (laughs) When I stepped out, she was in tears. She told me she hadn’t laughed in almost two years due to the pandemic and everything it brought with it. But my performance that evening made her laugh so much that it helped lift the emotional weight she’d been carrying. It was an incredibly touching moment that reminded me of the true power of theatre and why I do this work.
You’ve also worked in television. How does that compare to your stage work?
The main difference is in the scale of the performance. In theatre, everything—your voice, your movements—has to be bigger to reach the audience. But with TV and film, the camera does a lot of the work for you, so you can be more subtle. However, at the end of the day, whether it’s on stage or on screen, it’s all about storytelling. The medium may differ, but the essence of the work stays the same for me.
Featured photo credit: Jake Bush
We Speak Actors
‘All’s Fair’’ actress Adlih Alvarado on her significant role in the TV series and her success in filmmaking
‘All’s Fair’, starring Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, and Kim Kardashian, continues to generate buzz for its powerhouse cast and compelling storytelling. Among the notable performances in the series is actress Adlih Alvarado, whose appearance marks an important milestone in her acting career. Alongside her on-screen work, Adlih is also making waves behind the camera as a filmmaker, bringing a multifaceted creative perspective to her projects. We caught up with her to discuss her experience on ‘All’s Fair’, working opposite industry icons, and her growing success in filmmaking.
Adlih, how did it feel seeing yourself in the recently released episode of ‘All’s Fair’, appearing opposite Sarah Paulson and Naomi Watts?
It felt really surreal — almost like I was watching someone else with my skin acting for me! I replayed the episode so many times because I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. All the anticipation leading up to the episode made it even more exciting. I’ve learned so much from them. I’m obsessed with David Lynch, so finally meeting Naomi — and acting with her — felt like being in the clouds with the stars aligned. And Sarah… I’ve followed her work for years. Every American Horror Story season is burned into my brain. I aspire to be as versatile as she is. They were both incredibly kind and supportive. After we wrapped, Sarah double high-fived me and told me I did a good job — and honestly, no one can ever take that moment away from me.
Can you tell us more about your scene and what the experience was like behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes, it was a lot of fun. Whenever I wasn’t on camera, they offered to take me back to my holding room, but I wanted to stay in the chaos and watch everyone work. It was raining both days, and they even gave me cute rain boots. On the second day, I felt much more relaxed, especially since I didn’t have lines and was simply present in the scene. While everyone was setting up, I finally met Glenn Close, and everyone asked about my name, which felt like a small but special moment. I really wanted to observe, learn, and absorb how big productions operate. Being on a set like that was incredibly valuable.
You’re also a filmmaker — can you share more about your projects in that field?
Yes, I’m also a filmmaker. I studied acting at NYFA, but I really learned filmmaking through creating my own projects and collaborating with friends on theirs. That hands-on experience shaped how I see stories and how they’re built.
“I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has taught me along the way — from wardrobe and set design to building sets.”
I’m also a special effects makeup artist, which gives me another strong connection to the behind-the-camera world. Being on both sides of production helps me feel comfortable with the crew and understand the overall flow of a shoot.
How does your work as a filmmaker influence or support your acting?
It’s a bit of a 50/50 clash. When I’m acting in my own projects, I’m already thinking about the editing room and how the story will come together. My process can look chaotic to others, but I know exactly what I want.
“When I’m acting on someone else’s project, it gives me more freedom. I can explore different choices and layers without worrying about the technical side.”
It feels like stepping into the upside-down version of the same world — but it fuels my creativity.
What’s next for you in filmmaking?
Right now, I’m focused on finishing my film ‘Blu Milk’ and getting it ready for the market — it’s definitely my biggest project so far. I also have a feature film written called ‘Where the Fish Sleep’, which I’d love to start shopping around. My short film ‘Espresso’ is finished and will be hitting festivals in early 2026. It’s my first romantic film and takes place during a chemistry read for an upcoming superhero movie. I wrote, directed, produced, edited, and acted in it — I wore all the hats on that one!
Featured photo credit: Talia Bonanno
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