This 13-year-old British Indian has become the first mixed-race actor to star as Annie at London's West End Theatre

After beginning her acting career at a very young age, Isobel Khan has been able to tread a whole new  path by performing the iconic role at West End Theatre
Isobel has been singing, acting and dancing since the age of 3
Isobel has been singing, acting and dancing since the age of 3

At the age of 13, Isobel Khan, a British actor of Indian descent has become the first mixed-race actor to play the role of Annie in the iconic musical of the same name at London's West End Theatre. Isobel has been singing, acting and dancing since the age of 3. At 7, she was signed by an agent and her career snowballed its way through the city's theatre scene. 

What is it like to grow up in the epicentre of the performing arts? "My first ever audition was for a production of Into the Woods. I was very nervous but also very excited! My favourite role I've had the chance to play is Annie. I feel like it was a really big step to have been able to play the first coloured Annie. I thoroughly enjoyed it because I could bring something different to the role. She's extremely strong, very optimistic and she cares more about others than she does herself, which is something we all need a bit more of in the world today." 

FUNNY BONES: Isobel has also starred in the BBC sitcom So Awkward



Isobel has also performed in James Brining’s production of Into the Woods at the West Yorkshire Playhouse and in the critically acclaimed production of the musicalGypsy at the Manchester Royal Exchange. Recently, she also had her television debut in the role of Saariyah, in the award-winning BBC television series So Awkward. Isobel says, "So Awkward is a comedy series. The experience was a lot of fun. It's easier to play comedy than anything else because it comes naturally to a lot of people. Especially when you're surrounded by people who are very good at it, it's a refreshing experience."

Having managed to add some colour into the industry, Isobel has no doubt about the importance of diversity. She says, "I feel like there still isn't enough diversity, especially in Western TV. Instead of just having a character who is coloured but from Britain, why not show someone who is actually from those countries? In the films people's cultures are not portrayed, they never really delve deep enough for people to understand the experience. It has definitely changed a lot, especially in musicals and TV. But I feel like it's not necessarily about putting someone who is diverse on the screen, it should be about embracing different cultures. They put in characters from a certain culture or background but they don't give them a backstory." 

Number one on Isobel's plans for the year was to make her way into more film and television roles. Although the Coronavirus has put a dampener on her plans, she continues to catch up her training. Thanks to her agency's online training programme, she continues to brush up on acting singing and dancing on a regular basis.She has also been making a few self tapes and audition samples to make sure she's using her time in the best way possible. Although she often feels overwhelmed by the circumstances, she credits her parents and agents as her biggest support system. 

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