Former Music Performance Scholar and Comparative Literature student, Joanna Adaran, has been treading the boards recently since graduating from Kent in 2022. A stalwart member of the Musical Theatre Society during her time, as well as singing in various lunchtime recitals, Joanna has recently been working with Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre; here, she tells us about her recent project.
I’ve spent the last few months as part of the cast of the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile. The production was at Regent’s Park Open Air and was produced by them and Leeds Playhouse.
Being part of this show has been the most wonderful, memorable stage debut to I could ask for. Bringing laughter and fun to the tens of thousands of people that came to see the show over the course of the run was a privilege and felt very special.
I was cast in the role of Trunky, the brave elephant, within an amazing company of five other actors, including an off-stage swing, and an incredible creative team. We began rehearsing in the latter part of April and took to the stage in May for previews, a rainy but enjoyable press day, and a beautiful run after that.
It’s been an honour to look back on my days doing music and theatre at Kent. I’m so grateful for all the staff, fellow musicians and company members who supported me through my journey to a professional stage.
I’m continuing with acting projects and looking forward to my next time on the stage!
Here’s Joanna singing At Last during the Scholars’ Spotlight series filmed during lockdown.
Production mages: Johan Persson