With Roald Dahl’s The Witches recently finishing its run at the National Theatre, Sekhani Dumezweni was part of the Ensemble, with the music by Dave Malloy. Prior to his run in Roald Dahl’s The Witches, Sekhani was playing Bruce Bogtrotter in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical in the West End, and he made his professional theatre and West End debut when he played Chip in Beauty and the Beast on tour and at the London Palladium. Whilst Sekhani was performing in the London run of Beauty and the Beast, he was seen by Byron’s Management (https://www.byronsmanagement.co.uk/), who now represent him for his career. It has been announced that Sekhani is set to play Little Marlon in MJ The Musical, which will be opening at the Prince Edward Theatre in March and is currently in rehearsals. We chatted to Sekhani about his recent run in Roald Dahl’s The Witches, performing as Bruce Bogtrotter in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical and playing Chip in Beauty and the Beast.

Last month, you finished your run in Roald Dahl’s The Witches at the National Theatre, how much did you know about the story before auditioning and what drew you to the show?

I didn’t know much really. Well, I’d seen the new film, but besides that, not much. In the last year, I have been introduced to the world of Roald Dahl starting with being in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical.

How did you feel to be part of a new production at the National Theatre and how was it hearing Dave Malloy’s music for the first time?

I was really excited to start a new show but I never realised how famous The National was. The building is amazing, so many things go on behind the scenes in all parts of the building to bring all the shows to life. It’s amazing that there are three theatres within the building… three!! It’s also a great space to hang out in.

The music was amazing as it felt different from other musicals. It’s interesting how it’s modern and traditional at the same time with other musical styles thrown in. It became more real and exciting hearing the live instrumentation at the Sitzprobe.

How did you find the experience performing as an Ensemble member?

It was my first time of being in the ensemble. There were lots of kids so that was fun. The grown up cast were really friendly. Because we have a few different roles to play, it was confusing at first with the costume changes and running around backstage to hit our marks, haha. Lyndsey (Turner) is great and gave us a lot of freedom in bringing the characters to life. I really enjoyed the fact that there are a lot of comedic elements to my roles. It has been a great experience.

How was it meeting the rest of the cast and had you worked with any of them previously?

It was really exciting meeting new people and working on a completely new show, which is something really special. I was lucky enough to move across with Jack (Philpott), who I had worked with in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical and seeing Iesa (Miller) as we had both been in Beauty and the Beast. It’s great that I’ve made new friends also.

Before joining Roald Dahl’s The Witches, you played Bruce Bogtrotter in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical, how did the run go?

It was great, the choreography is incredible and I got to sing the amazing Revolting Children riff! It’s such an iconic show and I was proud to be part of it. Everyone works really hard and gives their all in each performance.

How was the atmosphere on your final performance and what do you miss most about being in the musical?

The last show was emotional for me. You feel everything well up in the last moments. I was lucky I had a show to go to so that kept my spirits high. I will miss the show as a whole, the people in the show and all the singing and dancing.

What was it like finding out you’d booked the role of Bruce and what was he like to play?

It was incredible, I jumped and screamed for joy! My mum and my agent tried to prank me, by telling me I was in trouble… phew, that wasn’t the case! It was fun and very physical work, I like Bruce because he is a relatable character.

You made your professional theatre debut in Beauty and the Beast as Chip, how was it touring for the first time and being part of a Disney musical?

It was the first show I had ever been in so everything was new, like moving to a different country and having to learn the language and new customs. The cast were friendly. The show was an amazing spectacle and magical. I enjoyed the hotel living and being in different cities.

What was it like performing with the show at The London Palladium for your West End debut and how was it getting into costume?

The history of the Palladium and the performers is incredible, which I got to find out about. It was great being in London for a while. I was always asked “how did the costume work?” by people who had watched and I’d always say “Disney Magic!”. That’s also where my agent saw me and I was asked to join Byron’s Management. So a lot of great things happened at the Palladium.

What do you enjoy most about working as an actor and do you have any stand-out favourite memories from your theatre career so far?

Every experience is different, from the first audition through to the nervousness and excitement of waiting to find out if you’ve booked the job. Having the pleasure of working with many talented directors, writers, cast and crew and I have the privilege of learning from them. Seeing the joy of the audience and knowing that you’ve played a part in their happiness.

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

There was no plan to become an actor. I did some classes at Theatre Peckham when I was younger just for fun. I was told about the Cub Academy auditions, I didn’t get through the first time but was asked to come back to the next auditions. I got in the next time, that was a really fun experience. I didn’t get a role at the end of it, so I thought that was it for a while until the next round in a few months. My details were passed on to the Beauty and the Beast team and I booked that job a few weeks later. That was at the beginning of 2022 – as they say, the rest is history. I’ve just started rehearsals for my fourth show, MJ The Musical. I’m very happy to be where I am right now.

Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?

To smile more, haha, as I can look very serious sometimes. Also, to enjoy myself and be in the moment to have fun and play.

What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch?

My most favourite show is Les Misérables. I think Gavroche is brilliant!

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like to spend my free time gaming and hanging out with my friends.

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