SIENA KELLY
- Andrew Rankin
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
In the ever-evolving world of performance, Siena Kelly stands out as an actress whose creative path bridges the physical discipline of dance and the emotional depth of theatre and screen. With a presence that radiates both strength and thoughtfulness, Kelly is carving out a space that is entirely her own.
Words by Carolina Anzalone.
Photography by Annie Noble. Styling by Emi Papanikola. Hair by Lorraine Dublin. Make-up by Brooke Simons. Retouch by Marina Karaskevich. Photographer assisted by lighting tech Arthur Millier-Radnall and Digi op Jess Segal. Stylist assisted by Simara McKay and Zeinab Batchelor. Siena Kelly appears courtesy of AMPR.
Top and skirt by Self-Portrait
Her journey began with dance – a craft she dedicated much of her youth to. “I started off as a dancer,” she shares. “But I realised that dance was a bit too disciplined for me.” The pivot came during a school production where she played Anita in West Side Story. The fusion of movement, music, and drama revealed something new: a passion for acting that felt more liberating. An agent, impressed by her performance, suggested she pursue it professionally. What was initially planned as a one-year exploration has grown into a flourishing acting career.
Kelly’s influences are as eclectic as her roles. She draws inspiration from actors like Mia Goth, describing her as “phenomenal – everything I would want to be as an actor.” Her admiration extends beyond the screen or stage to writers like Sophie Strand, whose work focuses on reconnecting with the natural world, and Jessica Devino, a self-described anti-beauty writer that challenges societal narratives around ageing and femininity.
“I’m hitting 30,” Kelly reflects, “and [Jessica’s work] has really helped me realise how ludicrous it is that we feel we can’t age past 25, especially as women in this industry.”
Despite her rising profile, Kelly maintains a grounded, holistic lifestyle. She teaches yoga – including classes for Afghan refugee women – and cycles around London, finding physical movement as a way to stay present and connected. These practices offer balance amid an often-demanding industry.
Her recent role in Black Mirror saw her take a slightly different turn. In episode two of the latest season, she delves into themes of perception, pettiness, and impulsivity. While Black Mirror is known for its heavy psychological narratives, this episode took a lighter tone. “It was actually quite light and silly,” she explains, admitting that she and co-star Rosy McEwan had to seek clarity from creator Charlie Brooker about their characters’ motivations. "We came to the conclusion that girls are just really petty,” she laughs, acknowledging how that insight helped her focus on the present moment in her performance.
The episode also resonated more widely with current social anxieties – truth, misinformation, and the complexity of navigating reality in a digital world. Kelly notes how the show, while heightened, often mirrors contemporary struggles, especially in discerning what is real amid noise and contradiction.
Now, Kelly is preparing to return to the stage in 1536, a new play at the Almeida Theatre set to open in May 2025. Written by debut playwright Ava Pickett, the piece is set in Tudor England and explores the ripple effects of Anne Boleyn’s trial on the lives of ordinary women. “It’s hilarious, naughty, sexy and furious,” Kelly says with a smile. “We’re not playing kings and queens – we’re telling the stories of common folk, in a very modern voice.”
Describing the Almeida as “the coolest theatre in London – like the A24 of theatre,” Kelly is clearly energised by the project. The play, with its contemporary language and bold tone, aims to bring a fresh perspective to well-worn historical narratives.
Kelly’s love for theatre runs deep, particularly for its immediacy and rawness. “Theatre requires a different kind of stamina,” she explains. "You’re performing eight times a week, for two hours each time. There’s no editing – if you forget a line, you carry on.” The rehearsal process and the shared community among cast and crew are also major draws for her, in contrast to the fragmented nature of screen work.
“I think you learn to be a really good actor on stage,” she reflects. “There’s nothing to hide behind. You’re exposed – and that’s thrilling.”
Though she admits she’s not yet at a point in her career to hand-pick every role, Kelly is conscious of the stories she tells. "I feel honoured that people trust me with these characters – especially stories that centre on women’s agency, power, and sexuality.”
Full look by Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini. Shoes by Manolo Blahnik
Whether navigating the layered psychology of a dystopian drama or stepping into the shoes of a Tudor woman grappling with social change, Siena Kelly approaches each project with integrity, curiosity, and fearlessness. Her journey – from dance studios to theatre stages and film sets – reflects not just a personal evolution, but a commitment to pushing creative boundaries. And in doing so, she continues to inspire, move, and challenge both audiences and herself.
