Netflix’s Adolescence Puts Spotlight on Young Stars

One of the UK’s leading child actor agencies has over 100 extras and three key cast members in one of Netflix’s most anticipated new series, Adolescence.

Articulate Agency has a reputation for securing transformative roles for young acting talent.

Austin Haynes, 16, from Leeds, one of the agency’s busiest child actors is in the four-part limited series, starring Stephen Graham (Boiling Point, Bodies).

Austin’s previous roles include The Railway Children Return, alongside Tom Courtenay, George Clooney’s The Boys in the Boat, The Responder with Martin Freeman, and the acclaimed TV drama, Somewhere Boy.

Launching on Netflix on March 13, each episode of Adolescence is filmed in one unflinching and continuous shot. The gripping story unfolds in real time as the main characters search for answers in the wake of a shocking tragedy – the murder of a teenage girl.

It stars Ashley Walters (Top Boy), Erin Doherty (The Crown) and Faye Marsay (Game of Thrones).

Austin Haynes said: “I play the role of Fredo in Adolescence and appear in a couple of episodes. Although I have experience of working on multiple sets, this production was very different as I have never shot anything in ‘one take’ before, therefore the pressure was on to ensure there were no mistakes! Working with actors that have hugely inspired me such as Stephen Graham and Ashley Walters was incredible! I learned so much from Stephen and the director Philip Barantini during filming that I hope to put into practice during the rest of my career.”

Austin added: “I have been with Articulate for almost a decade now and the Agency has really helped me to grow and excel in my career. From providing acting classes, to workshops, developing improvisation skills and building confidence. I am grateful for each opportunity and looking forward to the future.” The agency also secured a major part for the young Leeds actor, Amélie Pease. She plays Lisa Miller in the four-part limited series.”

Articulate Agency was set up by Stacey Burrows in 2013, a former Barrister who negotiates life-changing deals for her young talent, who work across all major TV networks, including Netflix, Sky, ITV, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, HBO, and the BBC, as well as independent and major UK and US film studios, and are trusted by Disney, Universal, and Fox.

Amélie said: “When Stacey (Head Agent at Articulate) called to tell me I booked Adolescence I was absolutely over the moon. It was my first job and an absolute dream to film. Adolescence set me on my next steps and I have Articulate to thank for that.”

Amélie joined one of Articulate Agency’s drama schools when she was 14.

Amélie said: “I joined Articulate originally attending classes to develop my skills and have fun. The classes and workshops prepared me for joining the agency, professional work, and how to approach self-tapes and recalls. The recall and then chemistry read for Adolescence depended on improv; a skill I thoroughly developed in Articulate sessions over the last few years, thanks to brilliant teachers like Kirsty Armstrong.”

Articulate Agency also secured a role for fellow student, Fatima Bojang from Leeds, who also trained at Articulate Agency’s drama school; Adolescence is her first role.

Fatima said: “The day I found out they wanted to work with me was surreal. The added pressure of working alongside one of the greatest actors in the world, was both intimidating and incredibly motivating. Working with the team at Articulate Agency has been nothing short of amazing. They are incredibly accommodating, and it’s clear that they genuinely care about their clients and their careers. The agents pay great attention to detail, providing unwavering support, guidance, and incredible opportunities.”

What’s more, the agency has also recently begun to represent the actor Lews Pemberton, who plays Tommy in the series, as a new talent.

Adolescence is co-created and written by Graham and Jack Thorne (The Swimmers, Joy), and directed by Philip Barantini, who employed a similar continuous one-shot style in the 2021 film Boiling Point. 

Stacey Burrows, founder of Articulate Agency, said: “It’s been a remarkable start to 2025, with our talent securing roles and currently filming incredibly exciting productions on the small and big screen. We’re a very driven young agency, with big ambition for our actors. For me, it’s very rewarding shaping raw and exceptional talent destined for big things and securing career-making roles.”

ENDS

For further media info, contact Ann ann@causeuk.com m: 0753 4892715

About Articulate Agency

Bespoke and dynamic, Articulate Agency is recognised as one of the best casting agencies in the country.

It specialises in securing significant acting roles for its clients in TV, film, commercials, and radio, with a strong reputation representing children (4-15) and young adults (16-25).

It works with the top UK and US casting directors, producers and show runners to secure high-profile, career-making roles, including major Hollywood opportunities.

Articulate Agency talent star across all major TV networks, including Netflix, Sky, ITV, Ch5 and BBC, as well as independent and major UK and US film studios, and are trusted by Disney, Universal, and Fox.

The agency prides itself on its ethical approach to developing talent, with a focus on guidance and nurturing, through personalised career management and expert industry guidance.

It provides powerful advice and unbreakable support to its clients, with a mission to create a level playing field, promoting inclusion and diversity.

It represents clients from across the UK, and is closely tied to the Articulate Drama School, providing younger clients with exceptional training in screen acting and accent skills.