In our profile series, Tell Us In 10, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions.
This week, we hear from Shane David-Joseph, who plays Sophisticato in Magic Goes Wrong.
Find out more about Shane in our Tell Us In 10…
1. My route into theatre was…
When I was 10 years old I won my primary schools talent competition… as a Magician/Comedian – what a bloody coincidence! I realised I enjoyed making people laugh and figured I could easily do that on stage. So I joined a musical theatre group, now called, Sharpe Academy of Theatre Arts and performed two shows every year with them for several years. Then someone said I could carry on and train to be an actor at a place, which I never knew existed – a place called drama school. So I auditioned at many schools and was fortunate enough to be accepted at The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where I happily trained for three years.
2. My West End idol is…
There’s far too many to choose from! If I see something someone does that I like- I’ll probably try my best to steal it. So I guess I idolise a bit of everyone I like watching.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
Very calm and chill for my age. But always up for a laugh. Sometimes people might catch me smiling to myself when I’m not doing anything, which probably means I’m making a joke or scheming to do something in my head. He’s got funny bones… I’ve got that a few times.
4. My favourite show present or past (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
I haven’t seen it on stage yet, but Back To The Future is my all time favourite film. So if… not if… WHEN… when I see the musical on stage I’ll probably love it and fan-girl like mad!
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
This show – Magic Goes Wrong. This is my West End Debut and to be playing this role at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, alongside such a wonderfully talented cast is an absolute honour. But also because I’m a longtime magic fan (and geek), it’s insane to think I’ve been learning magic tricks created by Penn and Teller and have been taught by the legend that is Ben Hart.
6. The hardest part about my job/role is…
The Dove Act! A magical routine which Sophisticato performs to honour his father. It’s a technically hard routine as Sophisticato makes the doves magically appear from absolutely EVERYWHERE you can imagine. However this being a Goes Wrong show it all goes awfully wrong for him and is emotionally draining… Come and watch me suffer!
7. If I wasn’t an actor I would be…
Probably a teacher! I’ve always admired and respected my teachers, especially the ones who’ve pushed me to do more or be better than I thought I could.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
I’m also a writer and currently working on a TV series called Everybody’s Favourite Party People, which explores the world of children’s parties entertainment through an angle you would not expect, with co-writer Charlie Layburn.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
Don’t be afraid of change – embrace it!
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
If ever stressed or worried or anxious as we all can sometimes be. Don’t worry – this too shall pass. So just have fun mate.