‘It was unreal’: Southwark schoolboy makes film debut in new crime drama

A schoolboy from Southwark with dreams of making it to the big time made his film debut earlier this month.

Michael Abayomi, 15, from Bermondsey, saw himself on the big screen for the first time on March 7, when he joined cast members for the premiere of Cookster: The Darkest Days. 

The Dulwich College student said: “It’s my first film and being on a live set was very exciting but also intriguing.

“I watch movies and series a lot and always wondered what it was like on set. Now I know!”

Directed by Stephen Roach, the true-crime drama follows the story of Jason Cookster, a dyslexic teenager misunderstood by his family and desperate for respect.

Played by Craige Middleburg, Jason’s life begins to unravel when he falls into the drug trade, struggling with addiction and debt as a rival attempts to uproot him.

Michale was only 13 years old when he was cast in the film as 12-year-old Treeny.

He said: “When I saw the movie at the premier there was just a little bit of cringe. We had filmed it a couple years ago and I had a much squeakier voice than I remember.”

Although this was the first time Michael had experienced a film set, everything came naturally for him.

He said: “During filming I actually found remembering lines and directions easy and the crew and director were fantastic.

“One of the best parts was a dancing scene that me and the younger cast members all did together. It was like a rave! 

“The only hard part was filming in typical British weather – it did rain quite a bit and was fairly windy and cold.”

But it all paid off when Michael walked along the red carpet to take his seat at the Vue cinema for the premiere.

He said: “It was amazing, seeing myself at an actual cinema and my name roll up on the credits.”

Before Cookster: The Darkest Days, Michael developed his taste for acting whilst at school.

He said: “I found an interest through school and theatre plays.

“I remember playing Mufasa for a school play of The Lion King when I was 10 years old.

“Then my mum put me through an agency and I’ve followed through there.”

Now, he has his sights set on the silver screen.

He said: “I would love to be in another movie. I am open to any opportunities I get because being on set was an unreal experience.”

Pictured top: Michael Abayomi who plays Treeny in Cookster: The Darkest Days (Picture: Mary Akinpelu)