Cal-I Jonel
- Actor
Cal-I Jonel is a British writer, performer, and composer, born in Hackney, East London to Jamaican immigrant parents. His work blends rich cultural insight with emotional depth, often exploring themes of identity, masculinity, community, and resilience. Known for his ability to move between sharp humour and psychological intensity, Cal-I's voice is distinct, layered, and deeply rooted in the Black British Caribbean experience.
His debut play No More Mr Nice Guy premiered in 2024 to critical acclaim, touring major UK venues including Catford Broadway, HOME Manchester, Birmingham Rep, and Bristol Old Vic. The show was an OFFIES finalist and praised for its bold mix of gig theatre, emotional honesty, and cultural authenticity.
In 2023, he was selected for the Soho Theatre Writers' Lab and co-composed the score for The Instrumentals, a family puppet show produced by Little Angel Theatre and Goblin Theatre. His psychological two-hander There's a Mouse in the Kitchen was shortlisted as a 'Highly Commended Play' for the Tony Craze Award and continues to generate interest for its nuanced portrayal of Black British masculinity.
Cal-I is developing a number of original stage and screen projects. His work has been supported by Arts Council England, the Peggy Ramsay Foundation, Talawa Theatre Company, Camden People's Theatre, and Queen's Theatre Hornchurch.
His debut play No More Mr Nice Guy premiered in 2024 to critical acclaim, touring major UK venues including Catford Broadway, HOME Manchester, Birmingham Rep, and Bristol Old Vic. The show was an OFFIES finalist and praised for its bold mix of gig theatre, emotional honesty, and cultural authenticity.
In 2023, he was selected for the Soho Theatre Writers' Lab and co-composed the score for The Instrumentals, a family puppet show produced by Little Angel Theatre and Goblin Theatre. His psychological two-hander There's a Mouse in the Kitchen was shortlisted as a 'Highly Commended Play' for the Tony Craze Award and continues to generate interest for its nuanced portrayal of Black British masculinity.
Cal-I is developing a number of original stage and screen projects. His work has been supported by Arts Council England, the Peggy Ramsay Foundation, Talawa Theatre Company, Camden People's Theatre, and Queen's Theatre Hornchurch.
