Karendip Phull is an emerging star in the entertainment world, making waves as a professional performer from Birmingham. Currently playing the role of Caroline in A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story at the Birmingham REP until January 5, Karendip, pictured, is part of an impressive 19-member cast, which also includes six juniors.
Her passion for performance started early, as she fondly recalls entertaining her family throughout her childhood. A pivotal moment came when she watched a Brittany Murphy film as a teenager, feeling a sudden, deep sense of purpose. She also discovered that her family's creative background runs deep—her baba’s brother was a playwright in Punjab, an insight that made her feel that acting was in her blood.
While Karendip never sought permission from her parents to pursue her career, her determination has led them to fully embrace her choice in recent years. She shares a lighthearted moment when her father, once hesitant, now asks her how to send her BBC Doctors episode to his friends on WhatsApp.
Born in Winson Green, Birmingham, Karendip comes from a Sikh family who emigrated from Punjab in the 1980s. She attended Shireland School and struggled through sixth form, later realising this difficulty stemmed from undiagnosed ADHD. During her GCSE studies in Triple Science, she often wondered, “why am I here?”
Her role models include the talented actresses Melissa Barrera and Ambika Mod, as well as the British actor Daniel Kaluuya. Karendip emphasises the importance of good representation in the arts, saying, “You need good representation.” Her passion for acting is clear—she loves the magic of performing on stage and the powerful reactions from the audience.
Looking ahead, Karendip aspires to perform in a Shakespeare or Arthur Miller production, aiming to leave a legacy defined by her values, exceptional storytelling, and deep love for the craft of acting. Her theatre credits include Anita & Me,Santi & Naz, Discovery and Sky's Hijacked Flight.
A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens in 1843, is one of the most beloved Christmas stories. It teaches that true success is not found in wealth and isolation but in service to others and the friendships we build. This timeless message is at the heart of the production Karendip is currently part of, ensuring audiences experience both the spirit of Christmas and the transformative power of generosity.
Birmingham Rep is the oldest building-based theatre company in the UK. In October this year, West Midlands’ former mayor Andy Street CBE was appointed the new Chair of the Board of The REP.
“I want to leave a legacy of work defined by my values, good story telling and my love for the art of acting” – Kirandip Phull
