STAGE | IT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING

‘IT ISN’T ALWAYS EASY BUT YOU HAVE TO KEEP PUSHING’

THE JOURNEY OF A STREET DANCER-TURNED MODEL-TURNED WEST END PERFORMER.

‘The world would be a lonely place without the arts’. These are the wise words of Simeon Beckett, a former street dancer who’s so passionate about the performing arts, that he’s dipped his toe in almost all of them. Most recently (pre-Covid-19!) he’s been gracing West End stages with his talent, starring in the critically-acclaimed ‘Everybody’s Talking about Jamie’ and ‘Motown the Musical’, to name just two. Here, he tells us about his career to date, what he loves about the industry and his hopes for its recovery after what has undoubtedly been the hardest year for the arts in recent times.

YOU’VE HAD AN INTERESTING CAREER JOURNEY SO FAR, CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE ABOUT THAT?

So far, my career has been really fun. I’ve been blessed with many opportunities that once I only ever dreamed of and I’ve experienced things that I never expected to. From working with artists, to performing in musicals, to then seeing myself in adverts. The best thing about it all is that it’s always changing and I’m always doing something different. The journey isn’t always easy but you have to keep pushing and enjoy the process. That way, good things will always come to you. HOW DID YOU START OUT AND WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THE WORLD OF PERFORMING ARTS? WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FACING DANCERS AND PERFORMERS TRYING TO MAKE A CAREER THESE DAYS (PRE-COVID)?

The competition is a big challenge. It’s constantly growing with more and more people trying to break into the industry going for jobs that you also want. But I genuinely believe that working hard and just being a nice person goes a long way and eventually, it will pay off somehow.

I was a bit of a latecomer to the performing arts industry. I used to play a lot of football before I began dancing, however I always had a love of dancing, acting and singing and used to take part in school talent shows. The film “You Got Served” had a massive impact on me, as it made me want to dance and really inspired me! WHAT DO YOU LOVE THE MOST ABOUT IT? It would have to be the experiences and opportunities I’ve been given through performing. It’s brought me some great lifetime friendships. OBVIOUSLY COVID-19 HAS CAUSED HAVOC FOR THE INDUSTRY OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS; HOW HAVE YOU COPED? It has been very tough and there have been times I’ve thought about giving up. But you have to keep yourself inspired. My Mum has been very helpful with this, encouraging me to keep going and keeping my spirits high.

WILL THE INDUSTRY RECOVER IN YOUR OPINION? WHAT COULD BE DONE TO HELP IT?

I think it will, it’s just going to take time. It has to recover because the world would be a lonely place without the arts. I do think it would help if it was taken a lot more seriously and if people understood that we do this for a living, just like any other job.

HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THOSE CHALLENGES?

By not comparing my journey to anyone else’s and just focusing on me. Everyone has a different path and a different story which is what will make you unique. It’s not about trying to be too different as I think sometimes that can backfire. It’s more about staying true to who you are and embracing and developing that. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE? To just be happy with what I’m doing. I believe happiness is the key to success; whatever you do you should just make sure it keeps you happy. Then you can build on that with whatever you choose to do. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO YOUNG PEOPLE THINKING ABOUT STARTING DOWN THE SAME CAREER PATH AS YOURSELF?

There are so many things I could tell people, but the main points would have to be: • Take your time and don’t rush yourself, it’s all about the journey. • Be able to take criticism and learn from it. • Believe in your talent and work hard but make sure you have fun.

“WHATEVER YOU DO YOU SHOULD JUST MAKE SURE IT KEEPS YOU HAPPY.”