Joaquin Pedro Valdes, represented by BBA Management, is an acclaimed musical theatre performer, whose credits include The Lightning Thief (The Other Palace), Death Note (London Palladium) and The Lion King (UK and Ireland tour).

What’s your favourite thing about this time of year?

The “required” get-togethers, dinners, lunches. The many “we-must-find-a-day-on-the-calendar” dates. London life can get so relentless and non-stop. Work oftentimes takes precedence over life, but this season forces us to stop and get out of our own schedules to see people we love for a warm meal, a hug, a chat, a laugh and a much needed pause.

Do you have any fond memories of working in a show at Christmas? If so, how do you prepare to get into the holiday spirit for a seasonal production?

placeholder image — Joaquin Pedro Valdes

I think I’ve spent most Christmases in the past 6 years during a contract. My wife and I have a little tally of where we’ve spent Christmas in the world. I was on tour for a show which brought me and my missus to Zurich for the Holidays. Switzerland would have to be in the top 5, the whole city turns into an actual snow globe or post card. It’s quite the sight. But London Christmas is unlike any other- the hustle, the lights on the high streets, walking to the tube after a show- there’s a familiar crispness to the air that gives me all the fuzzy feelings in my tummy. Last Christmas, I was working in the Menier Chocolate Factory and it was a company that loved food! So we had many potluck meals during the contract, and did loads of Secret Santas and games. There’s nothing like sharing the Holidays with your fellow colleagues.

What’s your go to Christmas theatre show/film to watch?

Apart from the usuals- Home Alone, Love Actually, and Die Hard. Growing up in the Philippines, they would always have The Sound of Music on the classics channel during Christmas. I always associated that with the season. Later on, for reasons I no longer remember, I would watch The Godfather every Christmas too.

What does your perfect festive day in London look like?

Walking around Southbank, checking out the Christmas Market, sipping on mulled wine and munching on cinnamon sugar donuts. Then at night a quiet home cooked roast for two with a glass of Jameson, traditional carols on the speakers, radiator at the perfect temperature and long conversations with my partner about how incredible the year has been and all the things we look forward to in the next one, all the while cuddling our cat.

As we look towards 2025, what are you most looking forward to?

I’ve got a few exciting projects to look forward to in the next year. But I’m really just chuffed to be opening a new chapter in my career, going into new rooms, working with new collaborators, singing new songs and telling new stories.

What are your hopes for the new year?

I notice that at the end of the year, while the Holiday lights go up, there is also a lot of despair and fear of uncertainty that goes around. I pray that there is more gratitude than regret in the new year. I hope for more opportunities to bring joy and rest to people in big or small ways. This is why I absolutely love my craft and industry, for a brief moment, we can remind people that there is always room to laugh and forget about the troubles.

BBA Management represents a roster of exceptional talent including Joaquin Pedro Valdes, and many more.