Nigerian comedian and actor Adebowale Adedayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, has revealed that he sacrificed several well-paying entertainment opportunities to pursue a master’s degree in Performance (Acting) in the United Kingdom.
The entertainer recently graduated with distinction from the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in Performance (Acting).
Speaking with Saturday Beats, he explained that furthering his education had always been a personal ambition, but his immediate involvement in the entertainment industry after earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts in Nigeria prevented him from pursuing postgraduate studies earlier.
Mr Macaroni said he eventually returned to the classroom to improve his acting abilities, learn new techniques and gain fresh perspectives that could strengthen his creative career.
He disclosed that combining his studies with professional commitments required frequent trips between Lagos and London, as he continued filming and producing content in Nigeria while attending classes in the UK.
According to him, the arrangement came with financial sacrifices, as he missed several lucrative acting jobs he would have accepted if he had remained in Nigeria. He added that while his earnings reduced during the period, his expenses increased because of the cost of studying and living in London.
The actor also revealed that his dissertation examined how Theatre of the Oppressed and Afrocentric performance techniques could help audiences understand and resist sociopolitical oppression.
He said the research was driven by his interest in using entertainment as a platform to educate people, promote awareness and encourage social change.
Mr Macaroni added that the programme exposed him to new acting methods and performance skills that he intends to apply to content creation, film, theatre and public engagement.
He expressed gratitude for completing the programme with distinction, noting that the experience had expanded his creative abilities and equipped him with additional skills for his work in the entertainment industry.
