This week, Signature reached out to Kieron Moore to talk about his experience of playing Liam Barlow in ITV’s latest drama, Code of Silence. Code of Silence does more than entertain, it challenges perceptions and shifts narratives. In the blog, Kieron talks about his experience working on Code of Silence, the importance of inclusive storytelling and what it means to be a part of a show that places Deaf representation at its core.
Photo Credit: ITV
- Hi Kieron, first, could you introduce yourself to Signature engagers and tell us a bit more about your journey into acting?
Well, I’m 28, I’m from Manchester and I transitioned from boxing to acting at 21/22 years old. I boxed for the majority of my life, learning from the age of 5 and competing from the age of 10. I have always loved film and tv, some of the characters I grew up watching have helped me discover who I am. When I quit boxing, it was a difficult decision, but I knew my heart was longer in it. Faced with the reality of working a 9-5 and having an unshakeable feeling that I was destined to do something special, I had a long think, and an epiphany. What am I good at? I’ve always been good at being what everyone else wanted me to be, I’ve always been an actor. People are now just starting to notice me as one.
I owe a lot of this to Mark Hudson, my acting coach at Manchester School of Acting, he truly took me in. Also, my team who have believed in me when no one else did. Acting is hard, but so rewarding. It’s my true love, my whole life has been a journey into acting.
- Can you tell us a bit about your character in Code of Silence and what drew you to the role?
Liam is quite the contradiction, tough but soft, dangerous but vulnerable, driven but anxious, a huge heart but reluctant to open up. I was immediately intrigued by him. We meet him at an interesting time in his life, he has decided he has had enough of coming second, he feels the world owes him and he will stop at nothing until he gets it. Challenged only by the introduction of a very special lady, Alison. Liam is not only tech savvy, he is emotionally intelligent, I was fascinated by the idea of stepping into the skin of someone so self-aware, but equally reckless.
- The show explores different themes, drawing on barriers in communication as well as themes of trust and justice, what do you think is the key message audiences should take away from Code of Silence?
I hope people take many things from this show, I know I have. I think the message belongs to each member of the audience individually and independently. I encourage the idea that everything is what we make it, what we decide it is.
For me, a huge take away has been the reconstruction of my ideas on communication. I may have felt it before, but I see now how wide the playing field and possibilities are for communication. We can communicate in so many ways, and we should strive to connect with as many people as possible in a way that they understand, and in a way that helps us understand ourselves. Everything is within reach, if we open ourselves up, including new and exciting stories.
- Why do you think shows like Code of Silence are important for changing perceptions and increasing visibility for the Deaf community?
TV and film has such a huge influence, it has the power to deflate or motivate us. It has the power to make us feel, to learn, to understand.
A show like Code of Silence not only invites everyone into a world where they may not know, but it educates and entertains them along the way. It reflects the world around us. It gives hope to young audiences who can look up at that screen and go, that’s the life I live. That is someone like me. So many people don’t have heroes to look up to day to day, many of us meet our heroes and the doors for more stories, more inspiration, more connection.
I am so proud to be a part of this show.
- What was it like collaborating with Deaf actors and creatives on set, what did you learn from the experience?
I’ve said this many times because I mean it, I became a better actor on this job, but more importantly I have become a better person. I have learned to truly listen, to be present, to slow down. Communication is such a beautiful part of our human make up, we easily brush over things with how fast the world is moving, this job has re-centred me.
I think it’s important to state that these people are so much more than Deaf actors and Deaf creatives, they are super talented creators and actors, they are extremely good at their jobs, and they are remarkable people.
It takes little effort to accommodate needs outside of your own if you just ask how to make it easier.
I have learned to ask, and to try my best to provide, and to be forgiving in the process. We are all learning, with the same goal in mind. To be the best we can be and make something beautiful.
- What has this project taught you- about acting and storytelling, that you will carry toward into future roles?
I think I have covered this, to truly listen, a deeper understanding of what communication is and how to break down these barriers that are actually self-imposed. I can’t wait to bring the better person I am now to the roles that are heading towards me. And more importantly, to my everyday life.
I will say this, in acting, you are only as good as the person in front of you. Elevate them, give them what they need, connect, and find that magic. I will be chasing the dragon, on every job that follows, as the magic I felt on Code of Silence I truly thought could only be found in stories. How nice it is to be wrong.
- What kinds of stories or roles are you most excited to explore next, and how has Code of Silence influenced your perspective as an artist?
I am hungry to tell so many different stories, I want to learn new skills as I go and be introduced to more worlds that aren’t my immediate reality. Truth is, I don’t know where I fit, I just know I am overflowing with passion and conviction.
I am so excited for whatever comes next, I am ready to get my teeth deeply into the next character.
To flirt with strength and vulnerability. To challenge audiences, and with that, challenge myself.
Here at Signature, we would like to thank Kieron for sharing his reflections on Code of Silence. Kieron shared with us his journey into acting as well as the transformative power of inclusive storytelling. Code of Silence is a reminder that stories hold power, they shape perception and open doors to new ways of seeing the world. For Kieron, his experience on set has been both a personal and professional turning point, grounding him more firmly in his purpose as an actor and as a human being.
We look forward to seeing Kieron’s success continue and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.