Susan Wokoma: "Deep deep down prefer my own company"

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

It feels weird to think about anything upcoming because I think 2020 has reminded me to take each moment as it comes - but I’m excited for people to watch Enola Holmes and Truth Seekers as we definitely need some joy and fun and escapism.

Then there’s a couple things pushed into next year that are very cool. And Year Of The Rabbit series two - we should have wrapped by now but alas, Covid.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

I have a few, just because me being an actress wasn’t an obvious choice. The fact I can support myself financially in London during a pandemic is nothing short of amazing.

But I would say writing my feature film ‘Three Weeks’ is up there. I’m super critical of my work but I’m always happy at the birth of it.

And my short film Love The Sinner which I wrote being screen at London Film Festival was cool!

And I met Tina Turner once! Long story!

If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

Casting directors not letting actors know when they don’t get a job. I have found out I didn’t get a part in some of the cruellest ways.

I think it’s utterly bad manners and in the age of mass email, no excuse.

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

To direct my feature film and shoot a scene in an action film where I have to run and jump away from a huge explosion.

Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?

That’s hard as my little sister Joannah is my hero. But I would say my friend Stephanie White. The way she turns up in the world every day is sensational.

Tell us something nobody knows about you…

That I deep deep down prefer my own company.

Style

What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?

My Dad’s coat. It’s nothing special - just an old M&S one that he used to wear all the time. It smelled of him for ages.

Sometimes I catch myself in the mirror whilst I’m wearing it and I look like him. DNA is crazy! Ha!

Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?

My Chanel bag. I bought it with my first big pay check.

My friend Emma Dennis Edwards and I went to the boutique on Bond Street and they knew it was a big first and they were so lovely and gave us champagne and nuts and let us stay for hours.

It’s those silly frivolous moments I cherish when the world is scary. Plus it’s an excellent bag. I take it to Tesco’s.

What items do you take on holiday and why?

Bath salts! MacBook and a Satin hair wrap - every black girl knows how much you need to look after that Afro.

Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?

Oh gosh! This thrift store varsity jacket I got in NYC back in 2013. It was sensational. And then got stolen at the book club off old street literally a month later. My eye still twitches when I think about it.

What’s next on your shopping list?

A flat! In the process at the moment. It’s complex innit?! But in regards to clothes, I have loads.

I just bought the classic 1970 Bella Freud jumper. I’ve been eyeing it up for about four years. That’ll be my last purchase for a while.

What would you buy if money was no object?

I’d buy out world poverty - and Fisayo Longe’s entire collection. She has a label called Kai Collective and every item is to die for!

Truth Seekers launches on Prime Video Friday 30th October