Niamh Algar | Actor

Niamh Algar | Actor

As a child, Niamh loved using her creative eye to entertain her family with short films and stories so a career in the arts seemed inevitable, but it was only after working as an intern in a production house that her film and TV education really begun. She became hooked by the creative hub of writers, producers and directors and soon got involved with their actors’ studio and learnt that the industry is a collective of creative misfits who are just passionate about telling stories. She believes that everyone’s journey into this industry is very different and that diversity is what keeps things interesting.

Working on feature film Without Name was a great highlight for Niamh. It was the film that landed her an agent and ultimately what made her move to London full time. Her first audition in London was for the critically acclaimed TV series The Virtues where she landed a leading role. Working with two of her heroes, Stephen Graham and Shane Meadows on the show was a dream come true for Niamh and she notes how right it felt learning from the legendary director. She cites working with Shane as the best acting education she could get in terms of honing her skills. She then caught the notice of Ridley Scott, who cast her in his sci-fi fantasy, Raised by Wolves, a hugely rewarding role which has challenged her physically and emotionally. 

Her experience on set has inspired Niamh to think about the idea of directing, perhaps when she can no longer do any more stunts, but for now, she is very keen to keep building and honing her acting skills. She notes that BAFTA is a good home to have and points out that all of the actors she has looked up to have come through the prestigious organisation.