Perth panto actress struggles to stay in the UK despite plum role

theatre: Victoria Chen wants to relocate to the UK as one of the few East Asian female performers

A Perth panto performer’s burgeoning acting career is hanging in the balance due to a visa wrangle.

Victoria Chen, 23, is desperate to continue working in the UK but is in France awaiting news on her visa status.

“Being born and raised in Singapore, I moved to Scotland in 2014 to train at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland,” explained Victoria.

“Having lived in Scotland for over three years, there is no doubt that I have fallen in love with this place and being the home that I choose, not the one I was born into, Scotland holds much significance for me.

“As such, I am extremely keen on remaining in Scotland and contributing to the cultural life here.”

Victoria has just completed a successful run as part of the cast of Aladdin at Perth Theatre, where she also understudied the roles of Princess

“Having lived in Scotland for over three years. there is no doubt that I have fallen in love with this place ...

Jasmine, Aladdin and Wishy Washy.

She was required to leave Britain by January 20 but her plight has become all the more pressing as a plum role in London is in the offing.

“I have been offered a role in a play with an off-west End theatre,” she said.

“The company is currently sorting out a ‘Tier 5’ visa – I have to reapply because I am no longer working with Perth Theatre – to grant me entry back into UK in time for rehearsals beginning February 5.

“If this Tier 5 visa is approved, I can return, otherwise, I will have to give up the role and the company will have to recast.”

Victoria believes her quest to remain in Britain “holds political and social relevance”.

“During my time here I have only met one other East Asian woman who has performed in Scotland – Katie Leung of Harry Potter fame, who relocated to London,” she said.

“I believe that in an era of increasing diversity and unheard narratives, it is important to have various ethnicities and cultures reflected onstage and as East Asian actors in Scotland are few and far between, my counterparts and I feel that there is much value in having me work here.

“Being granted permission to stay in this country would definitely be a big step forward in my ambition to create work internationally, but more importantly, it’s my ability to contribute to Scottish theatre and performing arts.”

The Home Office said it did not comment on individual cases and all applications were considered on their merits.

rburdge@thecourier.co.uk

Picture: Steve Macdougall. Victoria Chen with Perth Theatre colleagues Gavin Jon Wright, centre, and back row, left to right, Tyler Collins and Ewan Somers.