Macdonald Chimbizi in MANCHESTER
FROM Manchester to the bright lights of London’s West End.
A 16-year-old boy of Zimbabwean heritage, who lives in Manchester, Shayne Maphosa, is living his dream after landing a role in one of the biggest shows in the world – Paddington The Musical!
The talented teen will make his West End debut at the famous Savoy Theatre from October 28, where he will alternate the role of Tony in the hit musical.
He shares the role with fellow young star Eddison Burch.
And get this – the show is no small production.
Since opening in November last year, Paddington The Musical has taken London by storm, scooping SEVEN Olivier Awards – the Oscars of British theatre – including Best New Musical.
British newspapers have gone crazy for it, with The Guardian and WhatsOnStage giving it a perfect FIVE STARS.
The Times and The Telegraph gave it four stars, saying the singing bear will capture your heart.
Before the West End lights, Shayne was grinding on the regional stage, featuring in Oliver! at Leeds Playhouse and training with top talent academy Stagebox.
The academy confirmed the big news, saying: “Stagebox client and member Shayne Maphosa will star as Tony in Paddington The Musical in the West End.”
An emotional Shayne took to Instagram to share the news with his fans:
“I’m so excited and grateful to finally announce that I will be making my West End debut in Paddington The Musical. Being in the West End has been a dream of mine for years, so getting to do this at 16 feels so surreal. I want to give all glory to God.”
The West End is London’s version of Broadway – where only the best of the best make it.
And at 16, Shayne is doing it!
