British actor Bradley Jaden chatted with Markos Papadatos about starring in the new Broadway musical “Wanted” musical and being a part of “Les Misérables” at Radio City Music Hall.
How was Les Misérables for you at Radio City?
Oh, it was amazing. Thank you! It was one of those experiences that was unlike anything else, really. I feel very lucky to have been part of it.
How is the new show ‘Wanted’ going?
The new show is going amazingly. It’s nice to be part of something original and fresh, where no one really knows what to expect.
Obviously, there have been previous incarnations of it, but what we’ve developed it into now is really exciting. It’s wonderful to be part of something new and original and to originate a role. I feel very, very excited.
What do you like most about your character?
If I’m honest, I don’t think I like much about the character himself! But as an actor, I think it’s an important story to tell. I feel very lucky and honored to have been given the understanding and confidence to portray a role like this for the right reasons.
I think there are a lot of strong messages within Wanted, and I believe they felt I could bring something to the table, not only through my acting skills but also through who I am as a person.
I think that’s particularly important with a show like this, where you’re dealing with race, cultural differences, and historical context. As I’ve said in many interviews, I’ve chosen to do this because my niece and nephew are Black. I wanted to make sure I was doing something meaningful, something that would help them feel understood and contribute to creating something they can see themselves reflected in in the future.
I think it’s really important for me to be part of creating change, and I believe this musical does exactly that.
How does it feel to be part of the digital age, now with streaming and social media being so prevalent?
It’s kind of crazy, really. When I first started working in theatre, social media wasn’t even part of the picture.
I didn’t even start using Instagram until I did Wicked, which was probably five or ten years into my theatre career.
Now, especially on Broadway, social media is really, really important. In the UK, things are quite different. We don’t have the same kind of publicists or agents helping us in that way.
So, yes, it’s a different world over here, but I’m enjoying every moment of it.
What advice would you give to young and emerging actors and performers?
I think it’s something I’m still figuring out myself, but I try to keep my personal life separate from social media and use Instagram more like a business card. I only post things that relate to my work, my craft, and what I do professionally.
That helps me keep my friends and family separate from that world so the two don’t cross over too much.
As you say, we live in a digital world, and we have to keep up with the times. At the same time, I still believe you can hold yourself accountable and look after yourself in small ways. I feel I’ve managed to do that.
We’re all still learning, but social media is definitely part of the business now.
What are your plans for the future?
I actually said this in an interview recently: I’ve never really planned too far ahead. I’ve always just taken whatever opportunities have come my way through my agents.
I always thought all I ever wanted was to be part of the ensemble in Les Misérables. That was my biggest dream. So, to have played so many different roles within that show, then perform at Radio City, and now originate a role on Broadway—those are all things I never really imagined.
For me, it’s more about what excites me and what gets my heart racing as an actor and performer. Whether that’s working internationally, going to Japan or China, or having the opportunity to work with certain actors, it’s about what’s happening in that particular moment rather than thinking about specific roles I want to play.
When I was younger, I would think, “I wonder what roles I could play?” Now, it’s more about thinking, “I’d love to work with that director” or “I’d love to work with that choreographer.”
So, the goalposts have definitely changed.
What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?
New Beginnings.
What would your superpower of choice be?
Given where I am in my life right now, I would probably say teleportation. That way, I could go back and see my family more often.
That’s the hardest thing about being away and living in another country… not being able to see your family and best friends whenever you want. I’ve built a small community here in New York, but there’s nothing quite like seeing your best friends.
So, selfishly, I’d choose teleportation just so I could visit my family whenever I wanted.
What does success mean to you?
Oh, God! I think success, for me, is simply being able to wake up healthy and happy and do the things you love.
It doesn’t have to mean performing in front of 1,000 or 10,000 people. It’s about being able to keep a roof over your head and knowing that your friends and family are safe.
To me, that’s success in itself. I don’t need money, fame, or fortune to feel successful. Just knowing that my family and friends are doing well, and that I’m still striving, growing, and fit enough to keep trying… that makes me happy.
What would you like to say to your fans?
Thank you for being my fans! Thank you for supporting me over the years. It’s been a good 20 years in the industry now, and so many fans have followed me all around the world.
I’m genuinely grateful for their support, day in and day out, and for traveling around the world to see me in different productions and supporting the shows I’ve been part of.
I’m just really glad that people enjoy my work enough to want to listen to it over and over again or come and watch me perform.
The amount of money people spend to come and see a show blows my mind, and all I can ever say is thank you. But please know that it never goes unnoticed. I feel incredibly lucky that there are people who enjoy some of the work I do.
What’s the one thing you want audiences to take away from Wanted?
I want them to feel that they’ve experienced a message they haven’t seen explored in a musical before. I want them to see artists they might not have seen represented onstage previously.
Most importantly, I want people to leave the theatre with questions and things they want to learn more about. I hope it opens up conversations about subjects that people might otherwise find too difficult to discuss.
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