After a tumultuous couple of years and multiple lockdowns, it is safe to say we have all missed trips to the theatre and cinema. On Tuesday 26th October, Dear Evan Hansen returned to the West End at Noël Coward Theatre including cast member Mitchell Zhangazha (OA 2013), pictured above. The musical first opened in November 2019, winning three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, but unfortunately the curtains had to close shortly after, due to the pandemic. Mitchell is understudying the roles of Evan Hansen and Jared Kleinman. Evan is a young boy who is desperately trying to fit in but struggles due to battles with anxiety and depression which leads him down a dark path. Jared has similar issues but masks them by trying to be the joker and loudest person in the room, carrying a certain bravado but feeling just as insecure inside. 

Mitchell comments: “It’s great to be back in the theatre. I was lucky enough to do some film work in lockdown but performing in front of a live audience is a thrill that can’t be matched. The production has such a big following around the world and a powerful story, and I’m excited to be getting back out there, performing, and telling the story.”