Joaquin Pedro Valdes is currently playing John Manjiro in Pacific Overtures at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's musical hasn't been seen in London since 2014.  Matthew White directs this revival which is a co-production with the Umeda Arts Theater in Japan, where it has already been a huge success in Tokyo and Osaka.

Joaquin began his career in The Philippines, originally working in theatre as a child before becoming a member of the boyband 17:28. Some of his credits in Manila include: Jamie in The Last Five Years, standby Charlie Price in Kinky Boots and Mr Wormwood in Matilda.

Joaquin moved to the UK in 2017 when he was cast in Miss Saigon (UK & International Tour), covering the Engineer and Thuy.  His credits also include: understudy Lun Tha & Kralahome in The King and I (UK / International Tour), John Safford Fiske in Fanny & Stella (Garden Theatre), Ram Sweeney in Heathers (Theatre Royal Haymarket), Rooh inVanara The Musical (Hackney Empire) and understudy Simba in The Lion King (UK & Ireland Tour).

Joaquin has had a whirlwind year; he appeared in two brand new musicals Killing The Cat (Riverside Studios) and Then Now & Next (Southwark Playhouse). He then starred as Light Yagami in the English-language premiere of Death Note which had a limited semi-staged run at the London Palladium and Lyric Theatre.

Recorded at the Menier, in this episode Joaquin discusses all-things Pacific Overtures as well as his busy year and the incredible response to Death Note, plus lots more.

Pacific Overtures runs at the Menier Chocolate Factory until 24th February 2024. Visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com for info and tickets. 

Hosted by Andrew Tomlins 
@AndrewTomlins32 

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