This month, Chorleywood News spoke to local resident and actor Josh Patel-Foster ahead of his West End debut later this month.
Josh joined CK Theatre School (CKTS) in the village when he was just five years old and learned ballet, tap, modern dance, and musical theatre. Now aged 23, Josh reveals that his love for acting stemmed from his time at CKTS, particularly under principals Lucy and Josh Sills.
He explained: “When Josh and Lucy got the school in 2016 – Josh being a former student – I was so thrilled! The school has really grown, and it’s such an amazing place.
“It’s where I met my girlfriend and my closest friends, and it was a huge part of my life. I definitely wouldn’t be doing this career that I love if I hadn’t gone there.”
After leaving CKTS at age 18 to study at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, Josh returned to the school to help out with shows for the next generation of performers. He even wrote two scripts for CKTS, The Wizard of Oz which was performed earlier this year, and Cinderella which finished last month.
The young actor is now delighted to be making his West End debut as part of the ensemble in Sir Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Oliver! at the Gielgud Theatre.
Josh continued: “I feel so privileged. It’s not a given that someone will believe in you and nurture you. And it’s especially not easy being a boy and wanting to do this. The culture isn’t actively hostile, but it isn’t encouraged in schools.
“I had a crisis of confidence, but Josh and Lucy said ‘You need to give it a go!’, and so I did. I’m so grateful for the push.
“Sometimes it’s about having the courage in yourself to know when it’s okay to do what you love – who cares what boys think!”
To find out more about Oliver! head to www.oliverthemusical.com
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