In this lively episode of Creative Conversations, Sophia Gray catches up with actor Charlie Bentley for a candid discussion about the realities of a creative career on and off the stage. From the high-energy world of immersive acting at Goodwood Revival to juggling roles as a jazz club owner, sleazy TV host, and more, Charlie brings wit, warmth, and honesty about his journey through the ups and downs of professional acting.

🎤 In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The Art of Reinvention – Charlie reflects on his many on-stage personas, from camp TV hosts to jazz club owners, and how he channels energy into every character.
• Immersive Acting at Goodwood – A peek behind the scenes of the iconic Goodwood events, memorable roles, and what it’s like working alongside legends like Dolly and Gracie.
• The Mustachioed Dilemma – The challenges of maintaining the “Mortimer” moustache for roles, and the heartbreak of having to shave it off for a job.
• Behind the Glamour – Unfiltered truths about the less glamorous realities of acting, including bouts of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and coping during quiet spells.
• Mental Health & Creativity – Charlie and Sophia share openly about dealing with depression, isolation, and the importance of not placing your entire self-worth in your work.
• The Joy (and Chaos) of Dyspraxia – Both hosts open up about navigating the acting world with dyspraxia, from dance rehearsals to line memorisation mishaps, and how creative minds adapt.
• Writing Your Own Story – Charlie discusses his forays into writing film sequels, working with his father on dual narratives, and why creatives shouldn’t wait for opportunities to come to them.
• Life as a Jobbing Actor – From the world of extras work to horror films and the unpredictability of social media “success”, Charlie reveals the grind behind the glamour.
• Finding Pride in the Small Wins – Why it’s vital to celebrate achievements, however small, and reflect on how far you’ve come.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Creativity means persistence – Sometimes it’s about walking into walls until you find the right door, but the important thing is to keep going.
• Imposter syndrome is real (and universal) – You don’t need formal training to be a “real” creative; experience and heart matter most.
• Community and support – Having the right friends, honest conversations, and remembering to be kind to yourself is crucial in the creative industry.
• Embrace the chaos – Whether you’re an actor, model, or artist, embracing your quirks (and even your mistakes) leads to growth and great stories.
• Never stop creating – If the jobs aren’t coming, make your own opportunities and keep your creative muscles flexing.

🎙️ About Our Guest:
Charlie Bentley is an actor with a decade of immersive performance experience, known for his versatile character work at Goodwood Revival and beyond. Whether on stage or screen, Charlie infuses every role with humour and humanity, drawing from his own journey with dyspraxia and a determination to keep smashing through creative “brick walls”.

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🎧 Creative Conversations is recorded at Granary Studios and produced by Granary Digital.