Jeevan Braich on mastering skating in 'Starlight Express'

The actor is firing on all cylinders playing Rusty the steam engine in Starlight Express at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.

Landing the lead in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s skating spectacular Starlight Express for his professional debut has been a baptism of fire – and steam! – for Jeevan Braich. His performance is so sensational that it won him Best Performer in a Musical at the Stage Debut Awards last year. The actor says the award “blows [his] mind” but that it “really does go to the 14 debuts that we have in the cast”.

Jeevan talks to London Theatre Magazine about the role of TikTok in his musical debut and the theatrical character at the top of his wish-list.

How did you get into theatre?

I wasn’t really in theatre – I was training in classical singing and opera. I always had a passion for singing pop and theatre songs and liked them growing up. I was at school and putting covers up on TikTok, and it just so happened that one of my videos landed on a casting director’s screen. He then got in contact and asked if I wanted to audition for this theatre job, and I said “Absolutely!” That’s why I always say to people “Put yourself out there” because you miss 100 per cent of the opportunities you don’t take.

Were you familiar with Starlight Express before getting cast?

My parents had seen it, so I knew it quite well purely because my dad raved about the fact that it was the only musical he’s ever watched without falling asleep! So, growing up, I knew it as this one show that was just too good to be bored by.

How were your skating skills prior to the show?

They were imaginary – I’d never even thought about skating. It’s crazy how I’ve gone from never skating in my life to now skating more than I walk on solid ground. It does have its benefits though – it’s a great fitness workout and at least I’m getting my steps in!

Any accidents during rehearsals?

I think “blood, sweat and tears” is the only way I can describe skate school. We fell over all the time and after the first person fell, it became normal for us. There were a few breaks and injuries, but for the most part we bounced back and passion for the job kept us going. It’s always going to be the hardest job any of us ever does.

Which role would you never get cast in but love to play?

I’d say Dorothy in The Wiz. I grew up listening to the songs and I can really relate them to my own life. So, if there was ever a gender-swapped version of the show, it would really be a landmark for me.

Book Starlight Express tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

This article first appeared in the January 2025 issue of London Theatre Magazine.

Photo credit: Jeevan Braich (left) with Kayna Montecillo in Starlight Express. (Photo courtesy of production).