As dancer and founder of Diversity, Ashley Banjo returns to Mayflower Theatre as Jack Trot in Jack and the Beanstalk. We caught up with him about what’s next for the group.
Ashley, it’s been 15 years since Diversity won Britain’s Got Talent, and the last 12 months have been huge, tell us what you’ve been up to
We have just finished up on our biggest ever tour, Supernova! This is something I put my heart and soul into, and every night we put that out on a stage for people to experience.
It was a challenge at times, as we faced multiple injuries during the tour, but as a team we overcame that, which is something we always do. We have also just opened our brand new Diversity Studio in Southend and are so excited to welcome new and fresh talent through the door.
Last year, I also made my West End debut in The Wizard of Oz at The London Palladium. Those huge projects have been alongside all of my presenting and performing, and of course performing in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs last year which was a record-breaking pantomime at Mayflower Theatre.
What’s next for yourself and Diversity?
Well for me personally, this year is the year I search for more but also strive for less. I want to really be present in the moment and appreciate things that are right in front of me. In terms of Diversity, following the Supernova tour (where we toured over 60 dates), I would love to have a home in the West End. I would love to expand into a new world and create a theatrical show that tells a story through the arts. This is something we have done on the Supernova tour, but I would love to take it to the next level by showcasing it in London. Making my West End debut at The London Palladium last summer has just increased my love for theatre tenfold, and now I have had the chance to perform as a resident there, I would love for the rest of Diversity to have that same feeling too. And of course, we are back to Mayflower Theatre this Christmas for panto again which we are very excited about!
Making my West End debut at The London Palladium last summer has just increased my love of theatre tenfold
What does Diversity mean to you?
Diversity is a family; it is my life. We have never tried to fit into a lane, we have always been original and done our own thing in our own way, and our fanbase has grown because of this. We constantly evolve and grow as a team, and we love bringing people together for that journey.
Can you give us an insight into your everyday life?
Every day is different for me. I am a massive family man, so I love to spend any time off I have with my children and family. I am also constantly creating, whether it be choreographing routines for our dance studio or for performances. I love having such a creative vision which my amazing team then executes.
You’re returning to Mayflower Theatre this Christmas to star in Jack and the Beanstalk, are you excited to be back in Southampton?
Yes, we can’t wait! 2023 was our first time in panto in Southampton and we smashed records for Mayflower Theatre in terms of attendance for length of run, and we want to go even bigger and better for 2024. After all, Jack and the Beanstalk is the giant pantomime spectacular! And it will be great to be back on stage with Kev Orkian again this year – he had us all in stitches last year!
You can catch Ashley Banjo and Diversity in Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas.
