Bopping his way to the top, Jeevan is beyond thrilled to join the Cinderella cast and experience the Christmas joy in here in Norwich. He has just won 2025 West End Wilma awards for best performer in off west-end show for his role as Rusty in Starlight Express, so now we get to see him skate off that stage and onto the Norwich Theatre Royal stage in his panto debut! Read more about Jeevan’s excitement for panto right here in the heart of Norwich.
So, tell us a little bit about you?
Goodness, me. I am a Brummy. A typical Brummy who loves theatre. I made my way into this industry in a musical called Starlight Express.
Who did you play in Starlight Express?
I played a character called Rusty! It was just the most amazing experience of my life.
What was it like performing on roller skates?
Oh my goodness. It was crazy because everyone was saying, like, there will be nothing harder than this. And then everyone says pantomime is the hardest thing ever. My friends at Starlight said that once you have done Starlight, nothing is ever as hard… so hopefully I can tackle the world of pantomime!
Tell us something we don’t know about you already.
I am a Charity Ambassador for a charity called Adoption Matters, I think that is pretty cool. I got into it because I went through the world of adoption and fostering myself, so as soon as I reached a point where I was able to, give back or do something good, I did it! So now I’m a special ambassador, we go around and we try to make a difference.
Besides performing, what is one hidden talent you have?
Oh gosh… I can speak French; it’s somewhat of a hidden talent!
Are you looking forward to panto?
Oh, I cannot wait, it’s my first time doing anything like this. And I’m so ready to have fun and to challenge myself and step into the world of craziness that is pantomime.
Have you ever been to Norwich before?
I have not. Wow, I have not. My first time is… today, yeah!
And are you looking forward to spending Christmas with us?
I really am. I’ve heard from so many people that Norwich is the most beautiful place, especially at Christmas time, and I honestly couldn’t think of a more picturesque and serene place to spend Christmas.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about performing on stage?
Based on what I gathered when working on Starlight, the best advice was to make sure your laces are always tied.
The other is checking the other is make sure your zip is done up because I’ve done half the performance once with mine down before…oops!
Now, we love Christmas here at Norwich Theatre. What is the best part of Christmas for you?
The late-night walks with my family, looking at all the stunning Christmas lights and Christmas shops, and picking up pretzels, or like nuts and stuff like that. Just the actual like family time of Christmas. And remembering how lucky we are to see another Christmas and stuff. I’d say that’s my favourite.
And you’ll have a new Christmas family here at Norwich with you as well!
I cannot wait; I cannot wait. Oh, all the pictures, all the memories. Yeah, that’s going to be one of my career highlights.
If you could play any Panto character, what would it be and why?
Well, that’s a great question. I would love to play a villain one day, a proper hardcore villain. I want to get ‘booed’. I’m always like a cute character, but I want people to be miserable when I walk on stage.
If you could have one magical item from a fairy tale, what would it be and why?
I would love a magical credit card. That’s a good one I think, no limit. The magic of it is that it never runs out, and you never have to pay it back. If my friends were to hear that, they would be like ‘yeah, that is definitely a Jeevan answer’!
Now I have some ‘this or that’ questions!
Glass slipper or comfy trainers.
Comfy trainers… actually no, I am going to change that! Glass slipper. Because pain is beauty, and beauty is pain
Grand ball entrance or quiet getaway actually?
Grand ball entrance.
Pumpkin or getaway car?
Pumpkin.
Prince Charming’s Royal Decree or button’s best joke?
Button’s best joke.
Midnight deadline or no curfew at all?
No curfew!
‘Oh no, he isn’t’, or ‘he’s behind you’.
‘Oh, no, he isn’t’.
Happy Ever After or another Grand Adventure?
Another Grand Adventure!
Head down to the Norwich Theatre Royal this Christmas to see Jeevan and the rest of the wonderful panto cast, from Sat 6 Dec – Sun 4 Jan 2026. And don’t forget, if you buy a ticket for panto before Dec 1* you are automatically entered into a £500 holiday voucher!
T&Cs apply ➡️ https://norwichtheatre.org/win-your-own-fairy-tale-getaway-with-cinderella/
For more information or to book, visit norwichtheatre.org or call the Box Office on 01603 630 000.
