IVAN DE FREITAS, London 1977

His professional debut was in 1997 with ‘The Flying Gorrillas’.

Other theatre credits include the role of Dinero in SISTER ACT at the London Palladium; NEVER FORGET (Savoy Theatre); ZORRO THE MUSICAL (UK Tour), Rev, Travis and Principal in the Original West End Cast of FOOTLOOSE THE MUSICAL (Novello and Playhouse Theatres, London); Buffalo Bill and Chief Sitting Bull in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (UK Tour); Double J, Gus, Fusco and Ceasar in SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (Apollo Theatre London); Ensemble in BOMBAY DREAMS (Apollo Theatre London); Ensemble and Understudy The King in the Palladium production of THE KING AND I (UK Tour) and ALADDIN (Birmingham Hippodrome). Ivan was the assistant choreographer to Karen Bruce for the 2008 UK tour of FOOTLOOSE and the 2009 Madrid production of SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER.

Currently he is assisting Karen Bruce in the TV Shows ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’; and he is also a cast member of the next coming production of GHOST THE MUSICAL.


- The first musical you saw and/or most impressed you: STARLIGHT EXPRESS.

- Webber o Sondheim? Both but JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is my favourite.

- London or New York? Again both, but if I had to choose London.

- Do you keep the programmes of the musicals you watch? Of course from the first till now.

- The worst moment you’ve had live on the stage was (as a performer and/or as a spectator): Blanking just before going on.

- An unforgettable moment (as a performer and/or as a spectator): Being on stage with Whoopi Goldberg.

- Do you have any superstitions before the opening night? Not really but I do get ready very early and like to go down at the five.

- A musical character that you would like to BE (not perform): Baloo The Bear from JUNGLE BOOK.

- A character of your opposite sex that you would like to perform: Annie Oakley (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN).

- What do you like best/least about your work? The buzz of live theatre.

- What is your favorite musical movie? JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR.

- The last CD/DVD related to Musicals that you have bought is: A Gene Kelly Box-Set.

- What is your favorite line from a musical: “I don’t know why I’m frightened, I know my way around here.” (SUNSET BOULEVARD).

- Agree or disagree with TV Shows finding new Musical Stars (as ‘Over The Raibow’ or ‘I’d Do Anything’): Both. It does bring more people to the theatre but the winners don’t always have the training and experience to cope with the demands of doing 8 shows a week and dealling with the pressure.

- You feel proud of: Doing something that I love it continuing to grow in this crazy business.

- Of this moment you’re living as an actor, the most important thing to you is: Friends and family.

- Other projects you are working on: Going to start rehearsals for GHOST in January but till then working on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ assisting Karen Bruce.