ARTS YOUR&COMMUNITY CULTURE
Get Up, Stand Up Lockdown 2020 had some people baking banana bread and doing home workouts, 11-year-old Malachi was auditioning.
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Marvel fan with acting dreams, Malachi, had previously dabbled in modelling, but threw himself into the competitive world of theatre auditions. His first being none other than The Lion King. Coming up against hundreds of children, Malachi got a call back to play Young Simba in the West End show. However, the young Cricklewood resident had also auditioned for a role in Get Up, Stand Up, the electrifying musical that details the life of iconic Jamaican artist Bob Marley. Much to his surprise, Malachi bagged the role to play young Bob Marley, making his acting debut in the highly rated theatre show. “I didn’t know I could do it until I got the part,” said Malachi, who says he used to be shy. “The first time I was on stage, I almost didn’t go on stage, now I don’t mind because it’s normal to me.” Malachi’s confidence is evident; he beams as he speaks about his personal connection to Bob Marley. “Bob Marley is a big part of my life. My dad has always listened to his music, we’ve got paintings of him in our house and we’ve been to his exhibition. He is really inspirational and I like what he stands for which is peace.” Malachi’s confidence not only comes from acting but from his supportive parents, who run a company teaching children about entrepreneurship. “Initially it was about building resilience and confidence, to learn how to bounce back and keep going”, said his mum, Chileshe Hall. Fluent in Spanish, he is currently learning Mandarin and plans to improve his football and rugby skills whilst dreaming of playing Spiderman one day. Get your tickets for Get Up, Stand Up www.thelyrictheatre.co.uk/tickets/get-up-stand-up-bobmarley-musical
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YOUR BRENT | SUMMER 2022
