Fresh from showing in one of many world’s most liked musicals, Jordan finds a while to talk to us about his profession and being a part of the world’s longest-running musical.
You’re at the moment taking part in the function of Enjolras within the West End manufacturing of Les Miserables. How does it really feel to be taking part in such an iconic function and to be flying that pink flag each evening?
What was your first publicity to Les Miserables and has it been a present you’ve wished to do since then?I grew up as a musical theatre child listening to completely different exhibits, and I at all times liked listening to Les Mis. However, it wasn’t till my early teenagers that I bought to see the manufacturing in London and fell in love with it. I at all times wished to be part of the present, however I simply by no means noticed myself in it. It wasn’t till later in my coaching that the dream of taking part in Enjolras turned one thing that I actually aspired to.
What does better illustration and variety in theatre imply to you?
It’s so essential to me. If I didn’t see black males that regarded like me onstage once I was somewhat child, I don’t assume I’d have been impressed to comply with by way of with my pastime to make it a profession now. I feel musical theatre is a fantasy land, and it’s time to actually begin stepping out of what’s anticipated and problem folks’s opinions of how theatre can signify all completely different shapes, colors, sizes, sexualities, and genders. I’m conscious that within the final 36 years of Les Miserables being on the town, there haven’t been many black folks taking part in principal roles. It’s an absolute honour that I’ve the privilege of hopefully with the ability to encourage younger children that come to observe the present in order that they see themselves and assume they’ll do one thing like this too.
Les Miserables has so many iconic and fantastic roles, if you happen to have been to change one night and play another function within the present, which one would you select and why?
I’m going to should say Thénardier. It’s such an unimaginable function since you get to be humorous, however you additionally get the superior distinction of being a villain as effectively. He offers a lot aid for a present that’s well-known to be fairly unhappy.
Looking again at your profession, you’ve gained many credit, from leads and understudy roles to West End and Fringe productions. Are there any exhibits or roles that also stay near you at the moment?That must be my first job out of drama faculty, The Scottsboro Boys, which was on the Young Vic. I used to be a Swing and a Dance Captain, in order you possibly can think about I used to be very busy and really burdened. I want I had taken a second to understand what an unimaginable piece of theatre I used to be part of. People nonetheless discuss it at the moment, and if it have been to ever come round once more, I’d like to be part of it.
You beforehand performed the function of Simba in The Lion King; what was it like taking part in a real-life legendary Disney character?
It was an absolute dream come true! When I used to be youthful I at all times wished to play Simba in The Lion King, and a number of my coaching and my focus was impressed by that function. To be part of it was an absolute ‘pinch me’ second. We took the present internationally to cities that don’t have such a giant theatre neighborhood – it was so good to really feel the love of theatre in so many various nations around the globe.
You’ve carried out in varied theatres, each massive and small. How would you evaluate the expertise of taking part in in large iconic homes to smaller intimate ones?
I personally desire smaller venues as a result of it means you will be probably the most trustworthy and truthful along with your efficiency and performing. However, I’ve been fortunate to be part of massive ensemble exhibits equivalent to Miss Saigon and CATS in some large venues, which implies which you can actually carry out and provides it your absolute all so you possibly can have interaction with the viewers on the high and proper in the back of the theatre.
Looking past Les Miserables, are there another roles that you’d like to play sooner or later?I’ve been eager for the day that Jason Robert Brown’s Parade involves London. I did it once I was on the Brit School and I’d completely love to provide my shot at taking part in it professionally too. I feel it’s such an unimaginable present and it means quite a bit to me. In addition, I’d like to play Fiyero in Wicked, that’s undoubtedly a dream function of mine as effectively.