For Burn the Floor on the Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Epic, Leonardo Vieira is set to perform in the show until October as lead vocalist, visiting USA and Europe, having performed in the production numerous times previously, and he originated the role of Salvo/Guru in the world premiere of Footballers’ Wives – The Musical at Edinburgh Festival Fringe last year, with choreography by Arlene Phillips and Richard Roe. Leonardo toured the UK playing O’Dessasuite in Bat Out Of Hell, which marked his first professional job at the age of 19, and he has performed in pantomimes, having played Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin at both Eastbourne and Chatham. Prior to booking Bat Out Of Hell, Leonardo trained at Italia Conti, and alongside acting, he writes original music and released his first song DEVOTION in August 2025. We talked to Leonardo about returning as a vocalist in Burn the Floor on cruise ships, being in the world premiere of Footballers’ Wives – The Musical last summer and booking his first job for the tour of Bat Out Of Hell.
It has just been announced that you will be returning to Burn the Floor until October, what are you looking forward to for returning to the show, and how is it performing with the production?
Hi! I’ve never done one of these before. My name’s Leonardo, and I hope you enjoy my TED Talk.
I’m extremely excited to be returning for my fourth time to Burn the Floor as a vocalist. The show is unlike any other. Still, to this day, I get goosebumps watching these dancers move, and getting to sing for them is always a pleasure. There’s something about Latin and ballroom that’s so magical to watch – the effortlessness of two people becoming one and moving across the stage with either grace or fire.
How different do you find Burn the Floor to full musical productions and do you have a favourite aspect of performing on cruise ships?
I find it very different. I would say it’s equally challenging, if not more, due to you having to belt out some very well-known tunes, from a girl singing Bang Bang (Jessie J) to Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen) for a guy. There are also songs to be sung in Spanish and Portuguese. I loved being able to sing in my family’s native tongue because I didn’t think I’d get a chance to.
I’d also say, the stage presence needed for being a vocalist in this is more of an artist on tour kind of vibe rather than an actor in a musical.
I’d say my favourite aspect about performing onboard cruise ships, for me, would be the use of in-ears. It makes a singer’s life so much easier. And lastly, being able to see the world, do what I love, and get paid for it. I know it was something almost frowned upon for a performer to do, but I disagree. If you are happy and you are doing what you love, then it’s a no-brainer. But, I do understand it can be easy to get stuck on them, because it’s such a great gig.
You played Salvo/Guru in the world premiere of Footballers’ Wives – The Musical last summer; can you tell us about your time in the show and how was the experience originating the characters?
Footballers’ Wives – well, where to begin…
It was so rewarding getting to play the role of Salvo because I actually related to him a lot. He was this new Brazilian footballer who felt he didn’t fit in. He was hiding his sexuality due to the fear of it having a damaging effect to his career and others’ judgement. I mean, I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s gone through this with school as I was growing up. I would never go back.
Now, the Guru I think was something I had fun in doing because of the easy comedy. The Steve Aoki-type wig definitely helped.
I just lived in the moment and fed off of the girls’ different vibes each night, which kept it fresh.
It was also a pleasure bringing such a fun, engaging, and camp show to its feet and on to a stage at the Fringe, with the best team of creatives. Special thanks to Arlene Phillips and Richard Roe for really working with me and making sure I felt comfortable with my number Let’s Dance.
What was it like performing at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in a new musical and how was it being part of the stage version of the popular ITV series?
I really loved doing Edinburgh Fringe. Audiences were always so supportive and enthusiastic, which always helps when presenting something new. I do think the reason it did so well at the Fringe is because it is the musical version of huge hit TV series, which had a major cult following in the UK.
It’s still such an accomplishment for me that I was in this. Guess I’m now waiting for the tour or West End transfer.
What are some of your favourite memories from touring with Bat Out Of Hell as O’Dessasuite on their 2021/22 UK & Ireland Tour?
Oh, Bat! This was one of the biggest roller coasters for me – in a good, learning-experience kind of way.
It was my first job, I was 19 and I was going on tour. Now, you either sink or swim.
Digs (places you find to live in on tour), luckily, never was too much of an issue. We had a great cast, so no one was ever stuck. I was known as the crazy, always full-out one on stage, and I can say I believe that because I was drenched from the first five minutes of the show. I really loved dancing this show, and I actually miss that part the most. Thank you to Xena Gusthart for always making me feel good and confident.
Vocally, now this was a very hard job for me. I actually had issues with confidence, which now I look back at videos and realise I sounded pretty good. I suppose that comes with being young in a major show with some of the hardest vocals.
I did end up having to leave Bat before going international to have my tonsils and adenoids removed, which was a shame but NECESSARY. Since I did that, I’ve never had to call sick out of a show – in perspective, that’s now four years (touch wood 🤞). The company were very supportive through everything.
You have also performed in pantomimes, playing Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin in Eastbourne in 2022 and Chatham in 2023, what are pantomimes like to be part of?
I do love a panto – the time of year, the laughter, and the family time. It’s always a pleasure and great laugh being in a panto. Every night is different, and you just have to carry on even when something goes wrong. This is what makes them so fun to watch but also be in.
The Genie has a special place in my heart. My first panto and I was nominated in the Panto Awards for the award of Best Magical Being. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t win, but to be even considered out of all the pantos in the UK was such a surreal feeling.
How was your time as a student at Italia Conti and what was it like training during the coronavirus pandemic?
My time at Italia Conti was, I think, the best two years of my life. I say two because one of the years was taken away by the pandemic. That year is, in fact, erased from my memory because I found it incredibly difficult, to the point I stopped turning up to some dance lessons on Zoom because it completely changed everything in the eyes of training. It was so much harder, especially with picking up.
For sure it had an impact on me and my year. I do think we should’ve had the choice to retake the year, but I guess it’s hard then for future admissions.
I was, in fact, a scholarship student, and I’m still immensely grateful for this chance that I was given. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that Diploma scholarship offer, which I received sat in my science revision class for my GCSEs. I’ll never forget that day.
In a nutshell, I loved the training and support I was given. I couldn’t recommend it enough to younger aspiring performers. Once a Conti kid, always a Conti kid.
As a music artist, you released your first song – DEVOTION – in August, can you tell us about this?
This was a single I wrote ages ago before releasing, but I never got to finishing it. Then one day I got a message from my friend Luca, who made the music, and he was like, “Come over, I think we should finish this”. We did.
But then the track actually changed so much from then. I then went to my other friend who’s called Song. I know right, a music producer called Song. He really changed the vibe of the song from this chill acoustic soul track to more of this summer, chill, rooftop-bar or holiday vibe song.
So yeah, that’s how it happened. In regards to the lyrics, Luca and I did it in like an hour. Sometimes inspiration just comes and hits you in the face, and it’s really nice when that flow happens.
What do you enjoy about recording original music and do you have any plans for upcoming releases?
I really adore making my own music. I don’t really do it often due to not having the skills in music production. So unless I have someone available to create the track, I’m not that able. I have knowledge, but not enough.
My skills are in creating catchy melodies, lyricism and singing. I’m hoping to get back on it and collaborate again with either my friends or I’m open to other people if they reach out. It’s always cool to work with new people because it can cause different kinds of styles/vibes to emerge.
Where does your love of performing come from and was it always something you wanted to do professionally?
Performing has always been something in my soul. My mum said I didn’t stop moving when I was in her belly, and as soon as I could talk, I was singing along and dancing at family gatherings or in front of the TV.
I was first into football at a young age, but I never truly enjoyed it. It was more to get me out and exercising. Then my aunty said to my mum, “Take him out of there and send him to Stagecoach”. That’s what she did, and since then, I haven’t stopped belting and grooving.
Even though it’s my job now, it is still my burning passion, and I hope I will do it till the day I lay to rest.
Do you have any favourite theatre shows to watch, and which would you like to see that you haven’t done so as yet?
My favourite musicals I’ve watched would be: Dreamgirls, The Prince of Egypt, Cabaret and Legally Blonde.
I still need and want to watch Hadestown, SIX and also Les Misérables. I know, shocking. But I will eventually.
How do you like to spend your free time?
In my free time, I love to go on walks. I don’t drive, so I walk everywhere and anywhere.
I also have started to love spinning and going to the gym. I didn’t have much dedication to it before, but I’m starting to really find my routine with it and I feel great for it.
But of course, best till last, I love spending time with my family, partner and friends. Nothing better than that. Food for the soul. Even if it’s sat inside making dinners and eating together to going to a pub and having a pint.
What are you hoping 2026 brings you?
I’m hoping that in 2026 I can focus in on my mental health and on myself. I’ve organised my work for the rest of the year, so I’m quite busy, which will help.
I just need to make sure that rather than looking at what others have accomplished, I need to realise that I also am doing great and have accomplished a lot being a 24 year old in this industry.
I’m grateful to my agent Lee Morgan for always sticking by me and getting me in the room.
I haven’t done West End yet, however, I’m sure it will come. It’s just a matter of right show, right time and right place.
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