Sangeeta Waldron from LocalMotion Enfield speaks to local actor Amari Bacchus, who portrays Adam Bascombe in Netflix drama Adolescence

Amari Bacchus from Enfield portrays Adam Bascombe in Adolescence (credit @Amiraamirau) — Amari Bacchus from Enfield portrays Adam Bascombe in *Adolescence* (credit @Amiraamirau)

How did you land this role?

I vividly remember the audition process. It was a Friday, and I had received an email from my agent. The first thing I saw was that I needed a parent or guardian’s approval for this role. It was the first time I’d ever seen such a request but given the intense themes of the series about Adolescence, it now makes sense. My mum gave her consent, and then I received a seven-minute scene to learn. It covered various topics, including the incel ideology and Andrew Tate. I rehearsed the scene at Millfield House, recorded it, and sent it off. A few weeks later, I was invited to a rehearsal, which led to me landing the role.

Has your life changed?

Big time! I initially thought it would only be viewed in the UK and possibly the US. But the audience has come from all over the world. The other day I went to watch Dear England at the theatre and was recognised and I have been stopped on the train! While it’s exciting, I’m staying grounded and focused on being consistent. But yeah, this show has changed my life more than I thought.

What was it like to film in that environment?

I had done a lot of short films, but this was my first time on a proper set, and it felt surreal. I did a read-through with the entire cast, the director, and the producers. I remember the room clearly – our names were on the table alongside the scripts and biscuits! I didn’t even realise Ashley Walters was playing my dad until someone pointed it out. I was blown away when I looked across the room and saw him.

I was nervous to read my lines in front of everyone because I hadn’t met most of them before, as my only contact had been with the director Philip Barantini, producer Jo Johnson, and the casting director. When I arrived, I focused on bringing my character to life. Being the only London boy in the room made me want to prove myself even more. I felt a sense of gratitude and determination and that I deserved to be there.

What was it like being from Enfield?

Being from Enfield, a place where not many black boys break into acting, made me feel that I was representing not just London but Enfield too. While there are successful black actors like Daniel Kaluuya, John Boyega, and Idris Elba, I felt I was carving my own path.

Growing up, I had to be strong because there was judgment about pursuing performing arts. Many of my friends thought I should become a doctor, and while I had my family’s support, I still had to prove myself. At secondary school, I wasn’t the best student, but I stayed focused, studied hard, and proved people wrong. Everything I’ve done has been about proving I can achieve what I set out to do.

Has being in Adolescence changed your relationship with social media?

Yes, and it has been positive. I have used the success of the show to support other young people and show them what’s possible. I, with some of the cast of Adolescence, connect with young people on TikTok Live. Some young people come on to show their talent or to ask questions. Sometimes they come on and are amazed and screaming, but I’m thinking, I’m just the same guy as before. I am no different to you.

Who are your role models?

My mum, dad, and brother are my biggest role models. I look up to industry figures too like Denzel Washington, Sidney Poitier, and Nina Lewis from Platinum [Performing Arts].

Do you have a message for young people in Enfield?

Go for it! Everyone tells you this, but I’m going to say – run, don’t walk! Don’t let other people’s opinions hold you back. Be persistent and consistent in pursuing your dreams. Many young people in Enfield have incredible talents but may lack the resources or support. They also don’t know where to go with their craft and like most things, you have to go into central London, or go outside of London, which is expensive. It’s important to have more affordable things locally, where it would be easier to get parent approval. Start creating opportunities for yourself, use the positive side of social media to promote yourself – use what you have to elevate your craft.

Who do you think should be watching Adolescence?

Adolescence should be watched by everyone, not just young people. A lot of young people know what is going on, but they don’t know how to voice it. Young people don’t want to be seen as weak or vulnerable. We want to be seen as strong, fearless. But anything can happen in a snap, and that’s what Adolescence shows. It’s vital for parents and older generations to understand what today’s youth is experiencing. This drama explores themes that many young people struggle with internally but are often unable to express. The character of Jamie goes through intense emotional shifts, and it’s crucial for adults to understand the complexity of these feelings.

We need guardians and parents to realise that their kids going upstairs to play on their home video games doesn’t mean they are safe. There are children playing aged-18 plus games, which are not appropriate. There’s lots of things that shouldn’t be shown to kids, such as shooting games. They give kids an adrenaline rush, making it seem okay to harm someone. That’s not the kind of adrenaline rush you want to have. There are so many other things for a young person to do, such as touch grass, be outside. I don’t feel like a lot of us touch grass any more, especially young people. There’s so much that needs to be done, but hopefully it’s a stepping stone.

Do you think Adolescence is a stepping stone for change?

100%. It’s already opened people’s eyes, and it’s unexpected how much it’s resonated. But now, we need to keep the momentum going. We often talk about issues, but nothing changes. This time let’s actually do something about it – whether that means better mental health support, more accessible resources, or creating respect among young people.

What’s next for you?

I have a couple of exciting projects lined up, including another Netflix series. Right now, I’m focused on continuing to push forward in my career and, of course, I’m going to meet up with a friend and touch the grass!

LocalMotion Enfield has partnered with Enfield Dispatch to share local voices and stories

No news is bad news

Independent news outlets like ours – reporting for the community without rich backers – are under threat of closure, turning British towns into news deserts.

The audiences they serve know less, understand less, and can do less.

If our coverage has helped you understand our community a little bit better, please consider supporting us with a monthly, yearly or one-off donation.

Choose the news. Don’t lose the news.

Monthly direct debit

Annual direct debit

£5 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else, £10 per month supporters get a digital copy of each month’s paper before anyone else and a print copy posted to them each month. £50 annual supporters get a digital copy of each month's paper before anyone else.