Natasha Jayetileke 

Seeing and hearing of Sri Lankans doing great things, locally and internationally, is always a source of pride for us. So when we stumbled upon Natasha Jayetileke – thespian playing the role of ‘Mrs Bhamra’ in British West End Musical ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ (on now at the Phoenix Theatre in London), we just had to have a conversation!

Natasha’s been working in musical theatre since she graduated from Cambridge University, over 10 years ago, prior to which she pursued vocational training at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey. “I had a brilliant time at both schools. At Laines, I learnt about surviving the unique world of professional theatre and at Cambridge I gained a degree from a world famous institution but also performed alongside some incredibly talented people,” she recalls.

Photograph credit: Adam Hills - Mug Photography

Natasha was born and raised in West London. Ballet, opera, plays, musicals and concerts coloured her childhood greatly and she fondly remembers her father taking her older sister and her to see and experience a variety of art. Her mother managed their home, while juggling all of Natasha’s extra-curricular activities – dancing, exams, competitions, shows and even sewed all of her costumes.

Currently residing in London with her husband Peter and daughter who turns three later this year, she says, “I may be a British citizen but my life in the UK was always filled with a Sri Lankan essence - from the rice and curry my Mum cooked to the Baila we listened to at parties.”

Following are some excerpts off the chat.

How did you get involved in ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ The Musical?

'Bend It Like Beckham the musical' is a brand new, British musical which recently premiered in London's West End to 5* reviews. It is a stage adaptation of the hugely successful film of the same name which was released in 2001. Both the film and the show have been directed by Gurinder Chadha and tell the story of Jess who must decide whether she wants to live up to her Sikh family's expectations of university, career and marriage or follow in the footsteps of her football hero, David Beckham. It is a feel good show which features a beautiful score by composer Howard Goddall and lyrics by Charles Hart who also penned Phantom of the Opera.  It is a fusion of culture, music, emotion and fun and we have been playing to packed houses every night.

I was invited to audition for the show late last year. Unfortunately, I was unable to make my final audition as I was playing the title role in The Snow Queen at the time. So, I sent my audition via video and was offered the role a few days later.

What are some of the past productions you’ve been a part of?

My West End debut was Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice's musical "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat". Amongst other productions I have also played Sarabi and Nala in Disney's "The Lion King" (The Lyceum), created the role of Sita in "Wah! Wah Girls" (Peacock Theatre), Draupadi in "Mahabharata" (Sadler's Wells), Dillon in Takeaway (Theatre Royal Stratford East) and Shinde Kaur in Britain's got Bhangra (Watford Palace and National Tour).

What’s your role in ‘Bend it Like Beckham’ like?

I play Mrs. Bhamra, Jess's strict and unwittingly funny, Punjabi mother. My character is the antagonist of the piece and is determined that her daughter will make her proud by becoming a good wife, solicitor and cook. Mrs. Bhamra is driven by her sense of propriety. She is adamant that her daughters should conform to "her" opinion of what is best for them.

My character is so different to me in every sense and I really enjoy making the transformation every evening. I have to adopt a thick Indian accent, adjust my posture and gait and wear a fat suit and wig.

What’s the experience been like so far?

Creating a brand new musical is exciting and challenging in equal measure. We had a 7 week long rehearsal process - working all day, 6 days a week. Then 2 weeks of technical work on stage and 5 weeks of previews. Throughout that time, we were continually changing the script, learning new songs and fine tuning the material.

Photograph credit: Ellie Kultz

How did you get into musicals?

I have wanted to perform in musicals since I was 7 years old and my father took my mother, sister and I to see Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Starlight Express'. I had previously wanted to be a professional ballet dancer but seeing a musical and realising I could create a character through both song and dance, changed everything.

What’s the best thing about being on stage?

This varies from performance to performance for me. I think, ultimately, it is the instant and live reaction you get from an audience. To hear first-hand their laughter and applause. Towards the end of Bend It Like Beckham, I even see members of the audience in tears. It is incredibly rewarding to know that you and your fellow cast members have entertained people so well. I also feel an enormous sense of pride at the end of every performance knowing that I have followed a dream and all the hard work has been worth it - that feels pretty darn good too.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

Optimistic, loyal and ambitious.

Photograph credit: Ellie Kultz

Do you visit Sri Lanka often?

I go back to Sri Lanka every 18-24 months. As a child, my sister and I would spend our entire summer holiday there and those were magical moments of my childhood. Undoubtedly, my family are the best thing about my visits. I also love the varied landscapes, practising my Sinhala, taking tuk tuks, the sounds and smells and, of course the food - no visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without buying hoppers from the kade, a trip to The Paradise Road Gallery Café and The Wadiya!

Future plans?

It is impossible to make future plans as an actor owing to the nature of our industry. Professionally, I aspire to have as varied a career as possible. Ideally, working between the theatre, TV and film. Personally, I hope to enjoy as much time as I can with my family, eventually open a theatre school in Sri Lanka and try and have many, exciting adventures.

Advice to budding thespians?

If you love something with every fibre of your being, you'll never be truly happy if you don't give yourself the chance to make it happen, so GO FOR IT. But, also know that whilst the great actors of our time make it look so easy and it is a career that is often perceived to be glamorous, it is incredibly hard work and you have to have a thick skin, discipline and determination to pursue it professionally.

Go and get involved with a theatre or drama group, put on a show, wait for the applause and enjoy every second of it! Be warned though...it’s addictive!

For more information on Natasha, follow her on Twitter at @NJayetileke.

By Jennifer Rodrigo