Jass Beki booked his professional stage debut before graduating from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School this year, when he joined the Ensemble of Dear England at the National Theatre and Salford, and he has returned to the show for their National Tour, this time playing Bukayo Saka. Currently, Dear England are on a break from tour and will restart performances in January until March, and Jass is performing the James Graham script alongside a cast including David Sturzaker as Gareth Southgate, Samantha Womack as Pippa Grange, Ashley Byam as Raheem Sterling, Jayden Hanley as Marcus Rashford and Liam Prince-Donnelly as Dele Alli, and the show is based on Gareth Southgate’s tenure as the manager of the men’s England football team. Also having screen experience, Jass has worked on short films such as The Long Way Home as Jibril. We talked to Jass about making his professional stage debut as Ensemble in Dear England, rejoining the show for their current National Tour as Bukayo Saka and graduating from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Before graduating from theatre school this year, you joined the cast of Dear England at the National Theatre and Salford as part of the Ensemble; how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role for your professional stage debut?
I’m not going to lie, I was shocked, shocked that I’d landed the job so early into my career, shocked that it happened before graduating drama school this year in July, and I felt blessed at the same time. I knew within my hard work and my talent, this was meant to happen, and this was meant to be! I can only thank God, and once this opportunity came, I was never going to look back.
What was it like performing at the National Theatre and was there anything that originally drew you to the production?
Performing on the National Theatre Olivier stage was just mad in a good way. In front of 1,100 every day was insane. I felt honoured to be on the same stage where many of the greats have been. I’ll be real, I didn’t know about this production, but I’m a big football fan and love playing ball, so doing a show where I love football and acting in one is a lit experience!
You are currently touring with Dear England, how has it been returning to the show but this time as Bukayo Saka?
Yeah, I’m back. This tastes like promotion! But all jokes aside… It feels good. I’ve put in a lot of hard work, and all thanks to the team at NT for bringing me back where I can showcase my talent too.
What do you enjoy most about portraying Bukayo Saka and how different do you find performing as him opposed to in the Ensemble?
Being in the role of Saka, I highly rate how dedicated he is to playing football, how passionate he is about his religion, Christianity. He’s a sweet, funny, and just a chill guy.
Playing one role now is a big shift. Whereas before I had four tracks to cover and I was on stage quite a lot as an ensemble member, but still never knew any given moment you could be on as a player so you always had to be ready. You feel the pressure and want to fulfil the role, but I always had great support from the cast when I played as a player.
For those unfamiliar with Dear England, can you say about the show and how was it reading James Graham’s script for the first time?
It’s a show that shows (Gareth) Southgate’s tenure as manager, changing the system and culture of the England football team, but through the show, you see the developments of players (good and bad).
The first time reading it was a vibe! Everyone’s having fun, the freedom to express your character, and everyone is supporting. What a feeling.
What was it like meeting the rest of the cast, which includes David Sturzaker (Gareth Southgate), Samantha Womack (Pippa Grange), Ashley Byam (Raheem Sterling), Jayden Hanley (Marcus Rashford) and Liam Prince-Donnelly (Dele Alli), and being directed by Rupert Goold?
It’s a great cast, all of whom are talented, and I can learn from them all. Everyone in the cast has a resume, some bigger than others, but everyone is still willing to learn from each other always.
How are you finding the experience touring and what are you looking forward to for continuing in the show through to March 2026?
Touring has been really cool; it’s my first time. It’s my chance to explore the UK, and what better way to do it than being part of Dear England.
What is it like seeing the audience response to the production and why would you recommend booking tickets?
The audience are real ones every time. It makes me happy that they’re enjoying the show and it’s affecting them. For me, it’s exciting and thrilling. Once you come and watch it, it’ll be unforgettable.
We understand you have been part of short films including The Long Way Home as Jibril, can you tell us about some of them?
The Long Way Home was about three friends as they revive an age-old barbershop ritual, sparking scenic adventures and hearty laughs. Jibril has a touch of unexpected romance.
How was your time as a student at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and what encouraged you to apply?
These three years in Bristol have been transformative. I arrived in 2022 as a student of the game – eager, uncertain, and passionate. I now stand as an actor who understands the weight and wonder of the craft. Drama school in Bristol didn’t just teach me how to act, it taught me how to live as an artist. A real community and the support you get is second to none. No competition, just real love.
How did you get into acting and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?
I wanted to be a footballer, how ironic!
It all started in 2018 when my drama teacher at Haggerston School in Hackney, Casey Powell, cast me for the main role in The Sweetness of a Sting. We performed it at the Theatre Royal Stratford East and at Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre. I brought my siblings and my pops to watch me. The feeling of performing there was exactly the moment I knew this was my purpose. I took Drama GCSE and A-Level Drama, and I got into BOVTS at 18 in 2022. Three years later, and here we are!
What are some of your favourite theatre shows to watch and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?
Proper enjoyed Red Pitch, For Black Boys…, and Sinners. All iconic shows. I’m gassed to see The Hunger Games, this show is going to be brazy!
What do you enjoy doing away from performing?
I love playing football, watching football, and all sports (a United fan, it ain’t easy). Reading books and my Bible. I go to the cinema once a week, and I’m a gamer too. PS5 only!
Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?
My favourite quote is by Daniel Kaluuya “I’m major, bro. I ain’t taking nothing minor. At all.”
Dear England continues its national tour from January 2026 – https://dearenglandonstage.com
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