Kristen Darrell moved to London two years ago to kick-start her acting career, never thinking she’d make history.

She was cast as Othello in the famous Shakespeare play — the first black woman to tackle the role in a professional production.

“From the information that I could find there have only been four women, myself included, that have played Othello, with me being the first black woman to actually play the role,” the 30-year-old said. “Plus, I was playing it as a woman, not as a woman playing a man. So that was quite the revelation.”

Ms Darrell, who acts under the name Kristen Alminta, took to the stage at Barons Court Theatre last month. The HT Theatre Production of Othello ran from October 6-18.

She was invited by the play’s director, Jo Greaves, to audition for the role; the two are managed by the same agency, Gold Artiste Collective.

Ms Darrell was shocked when she learnt she got the gig; she read the acceptance e-mail over and over.

“At first I couldn’t believe it. Then I got really excited, and then I got really scared,” she said. “I like to think that every actor goes through this particular transition when they get a part they really want. Or maybe it’s just me.

“Either way, I knew that this was going to be quite the journey, but I was ready to take it, despite the nerves.”

She believes the role will be a huge credit to her acting resume. She also bonded with many of the people involved in the British production.

“I don’t think I’ve ever felt so at ease or bonded so quickly with a group of people that I’ve only known for six weeks in my life,” she said. “There was some kind of magical, wonderful thing happening.”

Ms Darrell’s first major role at age 17 was in a musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It was enough to get her hooked.

Two years ago she quit a job in IT in Bermuda to complete a master’s degree at the Guildford School of Acting in Surrey. She moved to London, where she does temp work and is also a theatre usher. Acting is done in her spare time.

“Someone once told me if there is something else you think you could be happy doing other than acting, you should probably do that,” Ms Darrell said. “Tenacity, a thick skin and determination are vital for this industry.

“I had been applying for roles constantly and wouldn’t even get any responses back. However, in the last six months things have really started to pick up for me. It just goes to show if you keep at it, something will come of it.”

At times she questions why she left a well-paid position to pursue a dream job, but when she thinks about the joy she feels on stage, “there’s just no comparison”, she said.

Her advice to others interested in acting as a career is to be patient.

“Yes, it is hard work but if at the end of the day you feel like you’ve accomplished something and you want to do it again tomorrow, then you’re still in it.”