Big Age – Michael Workeye plays Zeke
Category: Press Pack ArticleCan you tell the viewers about your character?
Zeke is a “make things happen” kind of guy. He is the person that all dry friendship groups wish that they had. He’s charismatic, on-point, has good attention to detail and can hold his own in any situation. The rivalry that he has with Dela and Tayo, is indicative of his need to control the situation. He’s not someone who's here for the free ride. He pays the chauffer to take him where he wants to go.
He is the kind of person that’s built everything he has. In two, maybe three social and career moves, he could be in the exact place he is always dreamed about being as an adult - financial security, and luxury lifestyle. Those are the images that are imprinted on his mind. Zeke is the kind of guy who makes his own luck. It's so enjoyable to play such a smooth talker!
Some of the characters in Big Age feel societal pressure to “keep up with others”. Is this the case for Zeke?
Yes, but I don't even think Zeke sees it that way. He's only he's only ever looking up and I don't think he's looking at those around him. He's looking at that theoretical hierarchical ladder and always sizing up the situation. “When do I strike?” And when do I pull up to the next level.
Were you aware of the term big age before you read the script? What does it mean to you, personally?
It’s something that gets thrown about a lot in my family! Especially because I'm the youngest of four siblings. They to me “You’re not the baby anymore. You’re at your big age. Sort yourself out, mate.” I guess its good advice, I’ll always be a big kid!
What do you think Zeke is looking for a partner?
Zeke loves his women – He loves his ladies; he loves his dates and his flings. But anytime a girl has more control of their life than he does with his, he finds that very attractive. I he loves efficiency, and decisiveness. He wants to build and be pushed. Although he's head will turn when a beautiful girl walks in the room, his loyal will always be the smartest girl in the room. I'd like to make the case that he's only got eyes for Sade, but I think everybody will disagree!
If you could summarise the show in three words, what would they be? What three words would Zeke pick?
If Zeke was going to summarise this show in three words, he would probably say “peng”, “levels” and “big”. For him it’s a “big ting”.
For me, the words that pop into my mind are “us”. It holds big value that this is a show for us. We have all of these characters that CJ, Rachel, Ronke and me get to play. I know from conversations that we've had together have brought up thoughts or feelings about where we're at in life, at this age, and the decisions that we're making.
“Movements” is a big one – the big moves we make, and the ladders that you’re climbing and direction you want to go in. Moves on the dance floor and stating your pride and status on the line – for Zeke this is a big thing.
And “conquer” because all of them are here to conquer some aspect of this world. There's a new terrain that they are facing, a new environment and they're trying to conquer – like Sade’s decision to leave a job. For Zeke personally, he’s just trying to navigate his workplace.
What do you think makes Big Age so unique as a comedy? What do you think the audience will take from it?
I don't think I’ve seen anything where you’re following four people like this before – showing what post Uni life is like, especially when you're from all kinds of second-generation immigrant families. These black characters are so varied. My parents are from and have an East African background and, Ronke and Rachel’s I think are from Ghana and Nigeria.
The shared sentiment between the East African, West African and Caribbean parents is that you’ve got to be on point, excel and not waste any opportunity. It is a pressure we don't usually discuss and get to explore. That’s what makes the comedy so unique. So many of us have our parents’ voices in the back of our minds influencing our decisions. It's a big part of our outlook – doing things to make them proud.
But it's not like you can go to them at the end of the day and they can understand what it is that you're going through, because it's a whole new world out there now. So, it's navigating those two worlds. That in itself is quite hilarious and unique comedy aspect to explore.
What was it like working with Bolu? Had you read any of her work beforehand?
The first thing I did, when I found out I got the job, was go and pick up Love In Colour. And I drew inspiration from some of the boys in there – to push Zeke’s charisma and his finesse. Needless to say, I'm now a massive fan of her work. I already have her next book pre-ordered and I pretty much only started using Twitter recently to read her Love Island tweets. I can’t wait for her to teach me how to tweet. I don’t think there’s a better twitter mentor!
Did you get any creative input? Did you like read Zeke’s character and get to bounce off each other?
After over a year of purely self-tape auditions and no theatre, to being invited and recalled was so exciting. Working with Bolu, the producer and director was pure vibes. I remember having so much freedom to play.
When I was acting, I remember people on set laughing. It was mad to think that this was the first audience I’d had in a year and a half! That energy came through to set too, which was a complete dream for a young actor at this age, where you can just play. Bolu gave me that freedom and the director Nosa gave me that encouragement to push it even further. So, you know we had days where we're just doing a take and they said, “just do what you like on this next one”. I’d never experienced that before.
Is there anything you can talk about? You've got coming up?
Just before Big Age, I just finished a series called This Is Going to Hurt, it’s the TV series of Adam Kay’s book of the same name, which will be airing soon. That was so different to Big Age. Working with Adam Kay and Ben Whishaw was a real dream and I'm just excited for that to come out too.