Ba (Hons) Performing Arts (Film, Television and Stage) (Acting)
Graduated 2016
Ricardo P. Lloyd is a British actor, writer, producer and presenter, and a Patron of Go Live Theatre. He graduated from Buckinghamshire New University in 2016, where he studied Performing Arts (Film, Television and Stage). He has since established himself as a serious cultural figure with an international profile, working across theatre, media, and authorship.
His career includes Shakespearean stage work, national broadcast credits including BBC Radio 4, and an expanding body of writing and producing that engages directly with culture, identity, discipline and legacy. Ricardo is recognised not only for his performance work, but for the authority with which he operates across creative and public life, positioning his career as long-term, intentional, and impact-driven.
What are your memories of being a student at BNU?
My time at Buckinghamshire New University was formative and demanding in equal measure. It was an environment that required commitment, resilience and belief. We were taught by professionals actively working in the industry, including experienced vocal coaches and practitioners whose insight grounded the training in reality rather than theory.
On the first day of the course, a lecturer asked who believed they would go on to become successful in the industry. I was the only person who put my hand up. That moment has stayed with me, not as bravado, but as clarity. I knew who I was and what I was prepared to commit to.
The experience allowed me to build a deep professional toolbox that I continue to draw from today. I did not attend drama school, so the university experience gave me a different kind of edge. It forged discipline, mental toughness and self-belief. Completing the course was an achievement, and the foundation it gave me remains present in my work.
What advice could you give to recent graduates who want to get ahead?
Be authentic. Your greatest advantage is who you are, not who you imitate. Too many people dilute themselves trying to fit a version of success that was never designed for them.
Education does not end with a degree. Ongoing learning is essential, and the most valuable investment you will ever make is in yourself. Take risks. Step outside comfort. Accept that your journey will be specific to you.
Do not compare your path to anyone else’s. Comparison weakens clarity. Courage comes from committing fully to your own direction.
How did your degree at BNU impact on your career?
The degree instilled discipline, structure and resilience. It trained me to work under pressure, meet expectations, and remain focused through demanding periods. Those principles translated directly into my professional life and continue to underpin my work across acting, writing, presenting and producing.
Why did you join the course?
The course represented an important step in my journey. University was the right choice for me, and I was one of the first people in my family to attend higher education, which made completing the course significant on a personal level.
I felt a strong connection to Buckinghamshire New University from the outset. I remember auditioning, receiving an unconditional offer, and recognising that this was confirmation of the path I was already committed to walking.
What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most and why?
Performance was always central to my experience, particularly stage work. Producing and performing in multiple shows allowed me to deepen my craft and strengthen my presence. Theatre has always been foundational to my work, and being on stage remains a defining part of who I am as an actor.
Alongside this, the academic demands built discipline. Managing deadlines, pressure and responsibility developed resilience that continues to serve me across all professional areas. These transferable skills have been invaluable.
Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job?
Every aspect of the experience contributed. Challenges, pressure, criticism and expectation all served as preparation for professional life. It developed tenacity, self-command and the ability to remain focused regardless of circumstance.
What are your major careers milestones since completing your studies?
Since graduating, I have built a sustained career across theatre, media and cultural platforms. This includes Shakespearean performance work, national broadcast credits such as BBC Radio 4, and an expanding portfolio of writing and producing. I also serve as Patron of Go Live Theatre, extending my contribution beyond my own work into cultural development and mentorship.
What are your future ambitions?
My ambition is to continue operating at the highest level across film, television and stage, with greater creative control through writing and producing. My focus is on long-term impact, authorship and legacy, not short-term visibility.
Success, for me, is measured by influence, integrity and the ability to open pathways for others through example. I am committed to building work that endures.
What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?
Be decisive. If this is the path you want, commit fully. A university course requires time, energy and focus, and it should be approached with seriousness.
Completing the degree matters, but what follows matters more. Take responsibility for what you build afterwards. Ask honest questions of yourself, remain disciplined, and do not abandon your direction when the process becomes difficult.
Photo credit: Max Marshall