A Greenwich-born actor and dancer, who has performed with Anne-Marie and in West End hit shows, recently got a role in the second Wicked film.
Josh Nkemdilim, 23, grew up in Greenwich, studying at Halstow Primary and John Roan schools in his early years, before discovering he had a love for the perfuming arts.
Josh described discovering his “passion for dance” at the age of six, after seeing a family friend teach a dance class at her studios in Abbey Wood.
Due to being a younger age, Josh was unable to participate, but undeterred by this the youngster spent many sessions copying the children “through the glass”, before the teacher decided to create a dance class for younger children.
Josh described discovering his “passion for dance” at the age of six (Image: Andy Brown Photography) “When I was told I couldn’t dance because of my age I wasn’t about to give up.” Josh explained. “We made them put on an under-10s class and that’s where it all began.”
Josh added: “I was dancing from age six, started off in ballet, tap and jazz, and then later on when I went into more training I then started off with hip-hop and house, so many different techniques.
“I even performed locally at Charlton, so south east London had a big part of my beginnings with dance.”
After studying at the acclaimed Brit School in London, Josh landed his first gig at age 18 dancing for Anne-Marie, before eventually joining Hairspray in 2021.
Josh said: “I was 18 when I got my first role and it was such a big moment for me and still is one of the things I’m most proud of.”
After studying at the acclaimed Brit School in London, Josh landed his first gig at age 18 dancing for Anne-Marie. (Image: Johan Persson)
But his entry to the acting industry wasn’t plain sailing, Josh finished his studies and was about to embark on his career just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit at the beginning of 2020, which had a profound impact on the entertainment industry.
Josh said: “As much as it was a shock to the whole world, it was a massive shock to our industry, because we are freelance and self-employed.
“Not only that, but so much of your career comes from agents watching you at shows and casting you for other roles, so it had a big impact on that too.”
Josh finished his studies and was about to embark on his career just as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. (Image: Andy Brown Photography)
Despite his uncertain start in the industry, Josh has already had a successful start to his career landing roles in big name shows like Crazy for You, Newsies and Hairspray, as well as commercial roles dancing on The Voice.
Josh told the News Shopper that he has proudly collected and kept his shoes from his many shows, from his LaDuca boots worn in Newsies to colourful trainers worn in Hairspray.
Josh said: “As a dancer, shoes are so important to you and they are an integral part of your costume, they are made for your feet.
“I’ve kept all my shoes in a cupboard and I absolutely love them, because they bring a memory back when I look at them and remind me of what I’ve done.”
Josh has already had a successful start to his career landing roles in big name shows like Crazy for You, Newsies and Hairspray. (Image: Johan Persson)
One of the most recent roles the young actor scored was a dancing role in the upcoming Wicked: Part 2 film, the first of which premiered on November 22.
Joshua explained: “I was scouted during a performance at Crazy For You and then within a few weeks I was on the set filming for the second Wicked film.
“It was such a surreal experience; we were filming a scene that involved a lot of dance which involved acting to a green screen.
“It’s such an amazing set and I really can’t wait to see it debut, because it’s such a massive achievement to say you’ve been a part of that.
“It was a challenge, but I was certainly up for it.”
One of the most recent roles the young actor scored was a dancing role in the upcoming Wicked: Part 2 film. (Image: Johan Persson)
Josh is currently appearing in the UK tour of Hairspray, which will next be in Southampton in January, before beginning the “next chapter” of his journey in the States, after getting signed with the Soul Project Company, owned by renowned choreographer Candace Brown, and MSA Agency.
Josh added that his number one goal is to appear in the Broadway production of Moulin Rouge, which he described as “an absolutely incredible performance with such style.”
“I remember visiting New York and seeing shows on Broadway and I just fell in love with it.” Josh explained. “I just knew this was where I needed to be for the next part of my career and now that I have made this a reality, I’m so excited.”