In our profile series, Tell Us In Ten, we ask cast members and creatives of top London shows to tell us all about themselves in just 10 questions. From how they got their start in the industry to their favourite shows, we want to know everything.
This time we chatted to Kevin Vélez, Ryan Elson and Reece Darlington-Delaire from Magic Mike Live at the Hippodrome Casino.
1. My route into theatre was…
Kevin Vélez (KV): My journey into theatre has been a gift! I’ve met amazing people and learned from each of them.
Ryan Elson (RE): I started as a carpenter after leaving school early, after that I then went to college (Studio79), moving onto three years at Creative Academy. Now here we are at Magic Mike Live.
Reece Darlington-Delaire (RDD): I started performing when I was ten, playing Young Simba in The Lion King. That experience taught me discipline and gave me my love for theatre. From there, I trained at The Urdang Academy and worked on shows like Cats, Back To The Future, Aladdin, and now Magic Mike Live.
2. My West End idol is…
KV: The actor (Jamaal Fields-Green) who plays Michael Jackson in MJ The Musical.
RDD: Shaun Escoffery in The Lion King. His voice and presence are unreal, he’s been doing it for years and still performs with so much heart.
3. My colleagues would describe me as…
KV: A very energetic and enthusiastic guy.
RDD: Caring, grounded and calm. I try to bring good energy into the room and stay focused on the work.
4. My favourite show (that isn’t one I star in/work on) is…
KV: MJ The Musical.
RE: Rent or The Book Of Mormon.
RDD: Definitely The Lion King, it’s where it all started for me. But Hamilton is a close second.
5. The career moment I’m most proud of is…
KV: Right now. Dancing in Magic Mike Live is a physical challenge because of its intensity — every week completed feels like an achievement.
RE: My first ever job as a commercial dancer, dancing for Robbie Williams on X Factor Italia under the Choreographer Nathan Clarke.
RDD: Being part of Magic Mike Live. It’s a show that celebrates confidence and supports femininity. I love what it stands for.
6. What’s your favourite move or moment in the show?
KV: Without a doubt, it’s the introduction — when the show begins!
RE: Any chance I get to flip!
RDD: “Blues.” It’s soulful and quietly confident.
7. If I wasn’t a performer, I would be…
KV: I honestly have no idea, but it would definitely be something related to expressing myself.
RE: A photographer or a fire fighter.
RDD: A creative director or filmmaker. I love building atmosphere and emotion through visuals.
8. Something people don’t know about me is…
KV: I hide my emotions very well.
RE: I eat fire!
RDD: I’m a huge night owl. I love the early mornings of the day. It feels peaceful and quiet. My favourite animals are goats and horses.
9. The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…
KV: Stay grateful for everything, at all times.
RE: Be nice to everyone no matter the status, work as a group not a soloist and that shows don’t work alone.
RDD: The fastest way to get to the place you want to go is slowly.
10. The one thing I wish I could tell my younger self is…
KV: To make the most of his potential! To push even further, because time flies. But most importantly… to enjoy every single moment.
RE: Enjoy the process because if don’t, you’ll fall out of love and forget why you started performing.
RDD: You don’t need to rush or prove yourself, just keep showing up, keep growing, and trust the timing.
Get ready to meet your wild side and book tickets for Magic Mike Live!
