I had the pleasure of sitting down with actress Ionica Adriana for a wide-ranging conversation about her career, her approach to performance, and the realities of working as an actress in an ever-changing industry. What stood out immediately was her openness—thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest about both the highs and the hard-earned lessons.

Born in Romania, where she lived in an orphanage until she was adopted and brought to England aged 2 1/2, she has trained in stage combat and musical theatre. She has since appeared on stage and screen, with her skills as a dancer appearing in multiple music videos, played the Wicked Witch (a character that couldn’t be further from her bubbly personality) as well as the Genie on stage, amongst others and currently can be seen in the documentary Acting Class. Ionica is an amazing talent, who has a strong bright future ahead of her. Sit back, watch or listen, as we chat about our love of musical theatre, the trials and tribulations of acting, witness her facial tourettes and generally having fun. Ionica can be found on Twitter and Instagram as @Adriana_Ionica

A Journey Shaped by Curiosity

For Ionica, acting has always been about exploration rather than destination.

“I’ve never wanted to be boxed in,” she explained. “Every role is a chance to learn something new—about people, about emotion, about myself.”

That curiosity has guided her choices, whether stepping into dramatic material or embracing more character-driven roles. Rather than chasing trends, Ionica spoke about following instinct and trusting her creative gut.

The Importance of Preparation and Presence

One recurring theme in our conversation was preparation—not just learning lines, but understanding a character’s inner world.

“I like to know who they are when no one’s watching,” she said. “That’s where the truth comes from.”

At the same time, Ionica emphasized the importance of staying present on set and being open to collaboration.

“You can prepare endlessly,” she laughed, “but the magic often happens in the moment.”

Navigating the Industry

Our 2018 discussion also touched on the realities of the acting business—auditions, rejection, and resilience.

“You have to grow a thick skin,” Ionica admitted. “But you also have to protect your love for the craft.”

She spoke candidly about learning not to take rejection personally and about redefining success on her own terms.

“Sometimes success is just doing work you’re proud of,” she said.

Advice for Aspiring Actors

When asked what advice she’d give to actors starting out, Ionica didn’t hesitate.

“Be patient with yourself,” she said. “And don’t wait for permission to believe in your own talent.”

It’s advice rooted in experience and one that reflects her thoughtful, grounded outlook on the industry.

Looking Back

Revisiting this interview from 2018, what remains most striking is Ionica Adriana’s clarity and sincerity. Her passion for storytelling, commitment to authenticity, and quiet confidence shine through—qualities that continue to define her work. It was a conversation about acting, yes—but also about persistence, self-belief, and staying true to your creative voice.

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