Yavneh girl’s Technicolor dream comes true
It was amazing to see her on stage with my idol Jason Donovan
MAKING A West End debut alongside singer Alexandra Burke in a revival of Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat was a dream come true for Yavneh pupil Livi Kent.
The 11-year-old “absolutely adored it”, her father Anthony, 46, told the JC after the production finished its run at the London Palladium earlier this month.
Ms Kent, who has held various theatre, short film and commercial roles, performed 30 times, appearing onstage as the goat and Judah’s wife.
She was among dozens of child castmembers starring alongside Ms Burke and Neighbours star Jason Donovan, who played the title role in 1991 but returned this time as Pharaoh.
Ms Kent’s mother Claire, who as a teen saw the earlier production starring Mr Donovan as Joseph, said it was “amazing to see her on stage years later with [someone] who was my idol”.
After successfully auditioning over Zoom and later in person, earlier this year she took part in rehearsals sometimes lasting up to seven hours a day.
“There were challenges along the way. Livi had to do a Covid test every single day. There were times when Covid stopped rehearsals and the run, which caused disruption,” Mr Kent said.
“We almost had to put the rest of our lives on hold due to the huge commitment,” Mrs Kent recalled.
“But the minute we saw her on the stage performing, we were just so proud and knew that it had all been worth it. She had the time of her life.”
She added: “The kids cast were an integral part of the show but one of Livi’s favourite moments was when she had a cameo doing some gymnastics tumbles, which finished with her delivering a funny line.
“Alexandra was great at reacting to her and it always got a big laugh.”
Having met Ms Burke in person had “really inspired” her daughter, her mother added.
“The adult cast were lovely to them and Livi has made some really good friends, both adults and children, following working so intensely with everyone.
“The adults bought them openingnight gifts, closing-night gifts. She had a really good rapport with them.”