uMhlanga actress sprinkles her magic on KickstArt production
Shelley McLean Downham is currently performing in KickstArt's family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk
UMHLANGA resident Shelley McLean Downham is no stranger to the performing arts, having made her theatrical debut in 1993 at The Playhouse.
McLean Downham is currently performing in KickstArt’s family pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre where she plays the role of the good fairy, Glissanda Goldenvox.
“I love being the ‘goodie’ and making magic happen. KickstArt pantos have a rare authenticity, charm and a magical element that I don’t think I can put my finger on. Perhaps it’s that Steven Stead and Greg King (the writer and set designer) are wholeheartedly invested in bringing to life a sincere and magical production, with ‘heart.’
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“I have had the honour of working for KickstArt for many years and have played the principal role in Sleeping Beauty, Mrs Darling in Peter Pan, Cinderella’s fairy godmother, as well as musically directed Shrek, Sweeney Todd and other productions. My hope is that Durbanites come down to the Sneddon to watch our panto. It’s two and a half hours of pure, unadulterated joy, escape, magic and phenomenal entertainment which delights all ages. I am privileged to be working with the most incredible cast whose performances are utterly outstanding, not to mention the hilarious script, stunning set, costumes… well, absolutely everything,” she explained.
McLean Downham’s first role in the arts was in Themi Venturas’ production of Grease.
“I had always been involved in music during school, but more as a classical pianist, playing for the school shows and in assemblies. It was only in matric that I started singing and performing more. After school, I studied teaching, and it was only in my first year as a qualified teacher that this wonderful opportunity arose. Themi cast me in Grease, and the bug bit.
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“While performing at the Playhouse, I saw an audition notice for a cabaret at The Cellar, a venue that I absolutely loved, and after a successful audition, my then principal, Duncan Rankin, encouraged me to leave teaching in order to pursue the opportunity to perform full-time. I will forever be grateful for his encouragement in this direction,” she said.
