Currently, Solomon Davy is playing Chad Manford in the brand-new London production of THE CODE, which is open at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 11th October. Solomon’s character is the only fictional role in the four-person play, which also stars Tracie Bennett as Tallulah Bankhead, John Partridge as Billy Haines and Nick Blakeley as Henry Willson, and THE CODE marks Solomon’s first professional play, and he is directed by Christopher Renshaw. In April, Solomon finished his run playing Link Larkin in the UK Tour of Hairspray, and last year, he originated the role of Christian Stovitz in Clueless the Musical in Bromley. Having graduated from Wilkes Academy in 2023, the same year, Solomon made his professional and West End debut in Grease at the Dominion Theatre playing Kenickie, and he has previously performed in pantomimes, including playing Prince Charming in Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre alongside Craig Revel Horwood and Cassie Compton. Answering our questions, Solomon speaks about playing Chad Manford in the brand-new London production THE CODE, his time as Link Larkin in Hairspray, originating the role of Christian Stovitz in Clueless the Musical and making his professional and West End debut as Kenickie in Grease.
Can you tell us about the brand-new London production THE CODE, which is running at Southwark Playhouse Elephant until 11th October, and about your character Chad Manford?
The show explores 1950s Hollywood. The good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between. My character, Chad Manford, is a hungry actor who’s desperate to catch his break. He’s young, naive and is counting on Henry Willson (Nick Blakeley), his new agent, to make him a big shot movie star, whatever it takes.
What is Chad like to play and what are you looking forward to for opening in the show?
Chad’s a really exciting character to explore. Mainly because, unlike the other three characters in the show, he is entirely fictional. Audience members who know the era will come with some sort of expectation or preconceived idea of what Billy, Tallulah and Henry should/will be. One of the beauties of Chad is that he’s ours to create. I’m excited for audiences to see what we’ve done with this freedom.
How did you prepare for taking on the role of Chad and what originally drew you to the character?
When I first read the script, I was drawn to both the piece as a whole and Chad as a character. I knew it was a role that would push me as an actor within a show very different to anything I’ve worked on so far. This really excited me so when I was offered the opportunity it was a big fat yes. Right now, I’m hungry to be stretched as an actor and I knew this would do exactly that. Prep consisted of a lot of docs on the era and people within it e.g. Rock Hudson, James Dean, Tab Hunter. And then just sinking my teeth into a load of old Hollywood movies. Such hard work.
With the production marking your first professional play; how different are you finding the experience working on THE CODE opposed to your previous musicals?
Getting lost in a show (in the flow state good kind of way) is always the goal. And music has been such a huge part of my life that I feel it’s what I can get lost in the easiest. With a play, however, the driving force is the story and the story alone. The emotional through line has to be clear enough that it doesn’t require music to say ‘this is how this character is feeling now and here’s a song all about it’ that’s been an exciting new adventure for me.
What is it like working alongside Tracie Bennett (Tallulah Bankhead), John Partridge (Billy Haines) and Nick Blakeley (Henry Willson) and being directed by Christopher Renshaw?
Tracie, John and Nick are a dream. I’m very lucky to be working with people I can constantly learn from. Their attention to detail, care for the story and pure commitment to the work is refreshing. Every day I go home feeling inspired by them.
Chris is very freeing as a director. He trusts his actors in a way that makes for the best kind of chemistry and flow on stage. When it’s overcomplicated and there’s no room to play, it can feel forced and result in a piece that has the essence of something that could have been great but just isn’t. Chris understands this and gives each member of the team room to follow instincts resulting in a show that’s foundation is a natural mix of everyone’s unique creative input.
What can audiences expect from THE CODE and why would you recommend booking tickets to the UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse Elephant?
Ace cast. Iconic period. Gripping story. Drink, drugs and drama. Surely you don’t want to miss that?
In April, you finished touring as Link Larkin in Hairspray, what did you enjoy most about touring as Link and how was it seeing the audience response to the musical around the country?
Playing Link had been a dream of mine since I was like 11. So, it felt pretty special. The best part of tour, for me, was getting to see so many parts of the country I’d have never seen if not for tour. Beautiful places, some I didn’t even know existed.
That show is so full of heart. To be a part of something that you can see first-hand bring thousands of people so much joy on a daily basis is crazy. I’m very grateful for that experience.
What was it like originating the role of Christian Stovitz in the UK premiere production of Clueless at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley last year?
That was the first time I was a part of something new. So, I was exposed to the process of putting a show together like I hadn’t seen before, how much hard work it takes, the number of moving parts and exceptional people it requires. It made me appreciate the art-form on a whole other level.
You made your professional and West End debut in Grease at the Dominion Theatre in 2023, what are some of your favourite memories from playing Kenickie?
Man, I have so many fond memories of that job. The people mainly, that cast, crew and creative team were a blessing. I have friends for life from that gig. I’ll never forget the night of preview one. I came off stage and cried my eyes out lol. First job, on a West End stage, somehow playing a lead role. Doing what I’d dreamt of for so long. Crazy core memory.
Had you seen Grease on stage before auditioning and how did you feel finding out you’d be making your professional debut in the musical?
I hadn’t seen Grease on stage before but had obviously watched the film a gazillion times. It’s hard to explain how it felt to get that gig. There’s a video of it though. That’s probably a better explanation.
Having performed in numerous pantomimes, including Cinderella at the New Wimbledon Theatre as Prince Charming with Craig Revel Horwood and Cassie Compton, what are these shows like to do?
Panto’s a laugh. It’s so unserious. But also, so heartfelt. Lots of fun.
Can you tell us about your time as a student at Wilkes Academy, from which you graduated in 2023?
I loved Wilkes. I will always look back on my time there so fondly. There’s a load of love in that building. Leaving home at 16 is kind of mad but Wilkes made it undoubtedly the right move. Again, friends for life. Literal family. And memories I will cherish for life.
Where does your love of acting/performing come from and how did you get started in the industry?
It all starts with dance. I started dancing when I was two because my older sister did. And I just never stopped. I was obsessed with Michael Jackson as a kid. He had a huge influence on me. Dancing turned into acting and singing too. And it was just always me. What I did. Then around 15 I was like, I want to try this for real. Full send it. So, I did. Auditioned for some schools and got in to Wilkes. Worked hard. Then got some audition opportunities in my final year and one of them was Grease.
Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?
I love Hadestown. Big fan of Anaïs Mitchell and that show. I want to see West Side Story come back at some point too (who doesn’t). I’ve been watching a lot of plays recently. The Motive and the Cue at the National last year was a stand-out for me and I just saw Mrs. Warren’s Profession at the Garrick, which gave me goosebumps. Honestly, I love it all.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Music, movies, nature, friends, good food… all the things, you know. Life!
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