Joaquin Pedro Valdes
Born
Makati, Philippines
Alma materUniversity of the Philippines Film Institute

Joaquin Pedro Valdes is a Filipino stage actor and singer. He began his career as a child actor and was a member of the boyband 17:28. He has since become known for playing Light in the London production of Death Note: The Musical in 2023.

Early life and education

Born in Makati, Philippines,[1] Valdes started his stage career in the Philippines at the age of eleven, when cast in the musical Evita.[2]

He studied Film and Audio Communication at the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI).[3] Valdes moved to London in 2017.[4]

Career

Musical Theatre

Valdes moved to the UK in 2017, when he was cast as understudy Thuy in the UK tour of Miss Saigon.[5]

In 2018 he joined the International tour of The King and I, understudying the role of Lun Tha and performing alongside Kelli O'Hara and Ken Watanabe.[6]

Valdes was then cast as Ram Sweeney in the West End run of Heathers: the Musical in 2021, with Jordan Luke Gage as JD, Christina Bennington as Veronica Sawyer, Jodie Steele, Bobbie Little and Frances Mayli McCann as "The Heathers".[7]

In May 2023 it was announced that Death Note: the Musical will have its English premiere at the London Palladium in August,[8] as a staged concert version. Valdes was cast in the lead role of Light Yagami, together with Frances Mayli McCann as Misa and Dean John-Wilson as L.[9] The creative team of the UK version of the musical included Alexzandra Sarmiento as associate director and choreographer, Kimie Nakano as costume designer and Ben Cracknell as lighting designer.

The show's run was then extended to September and moved to the Lyric Theatre, with new cast members Georgie Maguire, Jessica Lee and Carl Man, taking over the roles of Ryuk, Misa and alternate L respectively.[10]

In June 2023 Valdes joined the cast of Then, Now and Next at the Southwark Playhouse, as Alex's (Alice Fearn) love interest Stephen.[11] The musical was written by Christopher J Orton and Jon Robyns and directed by Julie Atherton.[12]

Music

In 2002 Valdes joined the boy band 17:28, under the name Wakie Valdes. The group included Jonard Yanzon, Giancarlo Magdangal and Chino Alfonso.[13]

In 2005 the group announced their split to pursue different ventures.

Theatre credits

Year Title Role Theatre
2017 Miss Saigon Engineer / Thuy UK / International Tour
2018 The King and I Lun Tha (understudy) /

Kralahome

 UK / International Tour
2020 Fanny & Stella: The Shocking True Story John Stafford Fiske The Garden Theatre
2021 Heathers: the Musical Ram Sweeney Theatre Royal Haymarket
2021-2022 The Lion King Simba (understudy) UK & Ireland Tour
2023 Then, Now and Next Stephen Southwark Playhouse
2023 Death Note: the Musical Light Yagami London Palladium and Lyric Theatre
2023-2024 Pacific Overtures Manjiro Menier Chocolate Factory

References

  1. ↑ "Joaquin Pedro Valdes". The Roses. 2024-02-06. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  2. ↑ "Joaquin Pedro Valdes". TresA. 2020-06-11. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  3. ↑ "Filmaka | Joaquin Pedro Valdes". www.filmaka.com. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  4. ↑ westendframe (2023-04-11). "Joaquin Pedro Valdes co-hosts The West End Frame Show!". West End Frame. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  5. ↑ Gizelle (2018-03-03). "Miss Saigon tour in the UK casts Filipino actor Joaquin Valdes - When In Manila". www.wheninmanila.com. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  6. ↑ "Joaquin Pedro Valdes". TresA. 2020-06-11. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  7. ↑ "Pinoy actor Joaquin Pedro Valdes has a role in 'Heathers' - The Filipino Times". 2021-05-29. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  8. ↑ "Exclusive: Death Note: The Musical to play two concerts at The London Palladium". 2023-05-24. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  9. ↑ "Death Note musical announces lead casting for the West End". 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  10. ↑ "Death Note musical announces full casting for Lyric Theatre run". 2023-08-21. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  11. ↑ "Full cast set for new musical Then, Now & Next". 2023-06-02. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  12. ↑ "Alice Fearn to star in world premiere of musical penned by Christopher J Orton and Jon Robyns". 2023-04-27. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
  13. ↑ Abunda, Boy. "17:28: It's not the time but a boy band". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2023-08-26.
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