Kiel Smith Bynoe, an actor, comedian, and writer known for roles in Ghosts and Taskmaster, shares his journey from grime MC to comedy. He discusses the importance of confidence and improvisation in the unpredictable entertainment industry. Kiel reveals insights about his father's unconventional parenting and the heartwarming ties of family legacy. Their conversation highlights memorable moments from his early days and the challenges of balancing passion with performance, all sprinkled with humor and anecdotes.
Kiell Smith Bynoe highlights the significance of blending diverse artistic pursuits, notably his journey from grime music to comedy and acting.
His reflections on family dynamics reveal complex feelings related to love and commitment shaped by his father's unconventional lifestyle.
The discussion on uplifting films emphasizes the power of cinema to foster connections and provide comfort through shared emotional experiences.
Deep dives
Building a Website Made Easy
Creating a website can be simpler than many think, as demonstrated by the experience of a character who unexpectedly built a site to promote his paintings. Initially doubting his computer skills, he discovered how user-friendly Squarespace's platform is, showcasing various professional-looking templates that made the process straightforward. Through just typing and uploading images and videos, he was able to produce a fully functional website in no time. This experience shifted a friend's skeptical perspective, illustrating how accessible technology can bridge gaps in creativity.
Kyle Smith-Bino's Journey
Kyle Smith-Bino's journey reveals the intersection of different artistic pursuits, primarily comedy and acting. Growing up in East Ham, he first ventured into grime music under the moniker Clay's Flames, gaining popularity through collaborations and viral hits, such as the song dedicated to a local meal. Despite his initial foray into music, Kyle remained committed to acting, attending multiple drama schools and developing his improv skills, which have shaped his career in comedy and performance. His subsequent success in television comedy shows highlights how such experiences paved the way for his diverse artistic expression.
Family and Personal Reflections
The conversation includes significant reflections on family dynamics, particularly Kyle's relationship with his father. His father's unconventional lifestyle brought both adventures and challenges, as he balanced numerous familial obligations with relationships. Kyle's recounting of a poignant visit to see his father on his deathbed illustrates the complex feelings surrounding family commitments he inherited. Through these personal stories, he conveys how these relationships shaped his understanding of love, commitment, and the importance of being present for loved ones.
Comedy and Improv: The Art of Performance
Kyle's career is heavily influenced by his background in improvisational comedy, where spontaneity plays a fundamental role. His successful improv shows, such as 'Cool Story Bro', brought together a cast of talented comedians who engage audiences with personalized storytelling and humor. This element of unpredictability continues to enhance Kyle's performances, further integrating his experiences into his work. The collaborative nature of improv not only showcases his versatility but also emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the entertainment industry.
Uplifting Film Recommendations
The discussion transitions to uplifting film recommendations, highlighting the importance of cinema in providing comfort and joy. Kyle suggests 'Moonrise Kingdom' as a film that beautifully combines humor and emotional depth, encouraging open-mindedness when experiencing art. This exploration of feel-good films continues with suggestions like 'My Neighbor Totoro', which showcases gentle storytelling that resonates with both children and adults. Such recommendations underscore the idea that films have the power to uplift spirits and foster connections through shared experiences.
Adam waffles with actor, comedian and writer Kiel Smith Bynoe, star of Ghosts, Stath Lets Flats, Man Like Mobeen and Taskmaster, about the secret to getting ahead in the entertainment industry, Kiell's father and his unorthodox approach to family life, Junior Spesh good times as a young grime star, and the reason we won't be seeing Kiell on Sewing Bee anymore.
Conversation recorded face-to-face in London on December 9th, 2024.
Thanks to Séamus Murphy-Mitchell for production support and conversation editing and to Frank Buxton for additional editing.
