‘My time at USask was pivotal in my journey as an artist’

University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Jimena Larraguivel (BA’07) recently achieved two major goals in her acting career: landing a feature role in a new BBC television show and a role in an upcoming Shakespeare’s Globe theatre production.

Born in Mexico, Larraguivel’s first foray into theatre began on the USask campus, when she moved to Saskatoon in 2005 after completing an undergraduate degree in education in Mexico City. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in drama at USask’s College of Arts and Science in 2007 before moving to London, UK, where she continues to reside.

Today, Larraguivel is starring in a new BBC comedy called Twenty Twenty Six. The television show features English actor Hugh Boneville leading an ensemble cast that also includes Canadian actor Paulo Costanzo. Twenty Twenty Six premiered on BBC Two on April 8, 2026, before airing in Canada on May 1 on BritBox and Blue Ant Media.

In addition to her current TV role, this summer Larraguivel will appear in a flamenco-inspired production of Love’s Labour’s Lost at Shakespeare’s Globe, the iconic theatre located on the south bank of the River Thames in London, UK. The Green&White recently asked Larraguivel about these exciting new roles, as well as her fond memories from her time at USask and her advice for current and prospective drama students.

G&W: You have landed a feature role in a BBC comedy called Twenty Twenty Six. How did it feel to get the news that you were cast in the show?

Larraguivel: It took me days, weeks even, or maybe even till I was on set, to actually believe it. From day one, when I was invited to audition, I knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And although I connected with the character on paper straight away, when I read the first episode it always felt like it’d be too good to be true for me to actually get the part. So, this is a very long way of saying that getting the news that I had been cast felt very unreal in the best possible way. 

G&W: What is the show about, and what character do you play?

Larraguivel: The show is about this group of people—The Oversight Team—who are hired to organize an international soccer tournament (wink wink). Every team member thinks they’re great, but nobody really is. I play VP Optics and Narrative, Gabriela de la Rosa, who is a Mexican ex-football player.

G&W: This summer you will take on a role with Shakespeare’s Globe in Love’s Labour’s Lost. What are you looking forward to the most about starring in this comedy?

Larraguivel: When I first moved to London after leaving USask, the first theatre I went to was the Shakespeare’s Globe, and the show I watched was Love’s Labour’s Lost. I still remember sitting there dreaming of performing there one day. Nearly 20 years later it’s actually happening, and quite frankly I can’t believe it. Being an actor is a marathon-type profession, with so much uncertainty and waves of ups and downs. I feel grateful for the opportunity. This version of the play will be set in Spain, so I’m really looking forward to meeting the company and exploring the piece in this exciting and vibrant context. 

G&W: You earned your bachelor’s degree in drama at USask in 2007. What are your fondest memories from your time at USask?

Larraguivel: Oh wow. Some of my best friends to date come from my time there. I remember feeling like I was so far away from everything living in Saskatoon. It felt a little remote for a Mexican. Yet, everyone was always so friendly. It was an incredibly exciting time for me. I was living abroad and starting a new career, as I had previously done a degree in education. The drama department was a heavenly space, which only just confirmed I had made the right decision in my career shift. Some memories: I remember waiting for the bus outside my apartment at minus-I-don’t-know-how-many degrees. I did not enjoy that, yet I did love the adventure of it as well. The feeling of freezing is something I love telling people about. I remember so many of my auditions for plays I did there and how many teachers believed in me. Grabbing my Tim Hortons iced capp on my way to class is something I miss and dream of a lot. 

G&W: Why did you choose to study at USask?

Larraguivel: Well, in short, I was dating a guy who was studying at USask at the time. When I went to see him once, I visited USask. At this point I was already thinking about studying drama/acting. I honestly fell in love with the campus and the feel of the uni. The drama department gave me a great vibe, but also the prospect of taking other Arts and Science classes was an exciting and very different experience to my time doing uni in Mexico. 

G&W: How has your USask education been beneficial in your acting career?

Larraguivel: It opened doors for me immediately. When I moved to London, I enrolled into an intensive contemporary acting course at RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts) and having come straight from USask gave me confidence. I also had teachers who truly saw me and believed in my potential, and that really has stayed with me throughout the years. The drama department at USask gave me the foundation I needed in order for me to develop further as an actor. A year after I arrived in London, I was already working and slowly immersing myself in an industry that can be challenging, to say the least.

G&W: What is your advice for prospective and current USask students who may want to pursue an acting career?

Larraguivel: The acting industry is noisy, uncertain, and always changing. USask welcomed me for who I was, which is something I’ve always held on to. When auditioning, one can fall into the trap of trying to give the casting directors what one might think they want to see. But pretty much every job I’ve booked I’ve got because I was confident in what I could offer regardless of the result. So, I’d say, staying true to yourself is a huge asset. 

Becoming aware of the lifestyle of an actor is also important. When I arrived in London I had to pay the bills. I was doing a million different jobs that had nothing to do with acting. Falling in love with that side of the profession is key, too, and an important part of the journey. The more varied the life you live, the better actor, I think. It’s taken me 20 years to be where I am and I value every single experience along the way, even the ones which at the time felt uncomfortable, painful, or like a waste of time. Detours can be gold if we choose to see them that way. 

If you really want to act, you’ve got to keep showing up. However, it’s OK to have periods of rest and reassessment. This profession, in my experience, is inconsistent, so it’s not for everyone. In my case I love the unpredictability of it because it keeps me grounded, humble, and curious. Of course I’ve considered quitting many times, like many actors do. I changed professions once before and it was one of the best decisions of my life, so I’m not scared of doing it again if that felt right. I believe it’s OK to change paths, too. Staying curious about where the heart pumps is vital. 

G&W: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Larraguivel: Only that I’m grateful for my time at USask. Whenever things are flowing, I love to look back at where things started for me, and my time at USask was pivotal in my journey as an artist. Thank you and I hope to come back for a visit at some point soon. Probably not in winter!