TL;DR
- Etian Almeida and Serina Mathew share their journeys as LGBTQ+ performers in the West End.
- The West End is celebrated as a haven for queer talent and community.
- Both stars emphasize the importance of acceptance and support in the theatre industry.
- Disney productions provide a magical environment for LGBTQ+ artists.
- Pride celebrations highlight the inclusive culture of the West End.
Welcome to the dazzling world of the West End, where dreams come true and LGBTQ+ performers shine brighter than the stage lights! In a recent chat with Disney stars Etian Almeida and Serina Mathew, we dive into why this iconic theatre district is a safe haven for queer talent. Spoiler alert: it’s all about acceptance, community, and a sprinkle of that Disney magic.
Growing up in Cuba, Etian Almeida found his sanctuary among the theatre kids at school, a small circle where he first felt he could truly breathe. “You don’t feel like there’s anything wrong with you,” Almeida reflects during our virtual interview. This was no small feat in a country where the government openly discriminates against LGBTQ+ individuals. Despite the support of his family, he faced bullying, but within his vibrant friendship group, he found his armor. “You land in this place where you feel like you don’t need to hide,” he explains.
Serina Mathew, currently dazzling audiences in the ensemble of Disney’s Hercules, echoes this sentiment. For her, the stage was a calling from a very young age. “I started dancing when I was three,” she reminisces. “I was like, ‘I need to do this as a career. I need to get paid to be on that stage.’” And she did just that, carving out a space for herself in the theatre industry that she believes is a vital haven for young queer artists searching for their own network of support.
“Just always be yourself,” Mathew advises aspiring LGBTQ+ performers. “If you don’t have the support directly around you, that’s why being in the theatre industry or having like-minded people around you is so important.” The West End offers just that—a community where acceptance is the norm and everyone can be their true selves.
Almeida’s journey took him from Cuba to the UK, where he now performs as a swing in Disney’s The Lion King. He first arrived in 2007, bringing a slice of Cuban culture to London’s Peacock Theatre with the vibrant Havana Rakatan. After a brief hiatus from performing, where he traded his dance shoes for an apron in a Brighton fish and chip shop, Almeida found his way back to the stage, and his career took off. “I signed with The Lion King in 2016 and now I’m in my 11th season,” he beams.
For Mathew, landing a role in a Disney production was a dream come true. “Oh my God, I think I screamed!” she laughs. “It’s like anyone’s dream. Little me would have been absolutely screaming.” The excitement is palpable as she reflects on her journey through major West End productions before finally joining the Disney family.
Both stars celebrate the cultural tapestry of The Lion King, which brings together international talent from diverse backgrounds. Almeida emphasizes the transformative power of the stage: “We’re coming from these very difficult social settings, where you’re not allowed to be yourself. You can find that in this space here.”
Mathew adds that the atmosphere backstage at Hercules is one of inclusivity, particularly during Pride. “It’s such an inclusive workplace,” she notes. “We get to dress up and dance around the stage, what more could you actually want?”
As Pride celebrations kick off across London, Almeida and Mathew are ready to embrace their community. “I’m sure we’ll all be out in Soho after the show,” Mathew hints, embodying the spirit of celebration and acceptance that defines the West End.
In a world where so many still struggle for acceptance, the West End stands out as a beacon of hope and belonging for LGBTQ+ performers. Almeida sums it up perfectly: “It’s a very strong sense of belonging, and we’re part of the family.” So here’s to the West End—a magical place where everyone can be who they truly are, and where the stage is set for the next generation of queer talent to shine.