This year marks 20 years of the global smash hit Jersey Boys, and the acclaimed musical is heading back out on tour across the UK. Featuring the legendary songs of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, the show continues to captivate audiences with its iconic soundtrack and unforgettable story. We caught up with Jarryd Nurden, who plays Hank Majewski in the anniversary production, to chat about joining such a beloved musical, life on the road, and the magic of bringing this classic story to a whole new generation of theatre fans.
Q1. Jarryd, you’re joining the 20th anniversary tour of Jersey Boys as Hank Majewski — how does it feel to be part of such an iconic musical milestone?
It’s genuinely an honour. Jersey Boys has become one of those landmark musicals that audiences all over the world know and love, so to join the company during its 20th anniversary feels incredibly special, especially because I have had such a journey reaching this milestone in my life. There’s a real sense of legacy attached to the show, and stepping into that while also bringing fresh energy to the tour is very exciting. I’m thrilled to be part of celebrating a piece of theatre that has had such a huge impact on musical theatre history but also in my own life. This show came to South Africa in 2013 as part of an international tour. That’s when I first learnt about the show, and ever since It’s been a bucket-list show to do. I am beyond excited to play Hank Majewski with some very rewarding covers.
Q2. Jersey Boys has built a huge fanbase over the years. Why do you think audiences continue to connect with the show two decades later?
I think it’s the perfect combination of incredible music and a deeply human story. The songs are timeless. People hear those opening notes and instantly light up, but underneath the hits, it’s really a story about friendship, ambition, loyalty, sacrifice, and the cost of chasing a dream. That’s what resonates with me most personally.
One of my favourite lines in the show is, “Like that bunny on TV with the battery, I just keep going and going and going. Chasing the music. Trying to find our way home.” That feels incredibly close to my own journey. Leaving home, moving countries, and building a career in theatre have come with real sacrifices. Stepping into the unknown and constantly fighting to stay connected to the dream has shaped who I am.
This show feels like a full-circle moment for me because it’s not just about performing iconic music; it’s about telling a story I genuinely understand. The idea that chasing your dream can eventually lead you back to yourself and where you truly belong is something I’ve lived. I think audiences connect to that honesty. No matter your age or background, everyone understands what it means to want something deeply and sacrifice for the chance to make it real.
Q3. What can audiences expect from this new touring production? Is there anything that feels fresh or different about this version?
I think what makes Jersey Boys such a brilliant piece is that it’s INTENTIONAL in everything it is and does. That’s why we all return to watch it, be in it, or work on it, because the spirit of the show is so intentional and therefore always fresh, exciting, and moving! There is a great respect for the show.
Q4. The music in Jersey Boys is legendary. Do you have a favourite number in the show?
I do!!!! It’s coming out at the end of Frankie’s monologue at the end of the show, going into WHO LOVES YOU; it makes me cry every time. It’s so powerful; it truly lifts your soul.
Q5. You’re about to head out on a UK tour — are there any venues or cities you’re particularly excited to visit?
I am excited to touch base with every city as it’s my first official uk tour, so I can’t wait to get to know all the audiences around the UK & Ireland. This South African Boy is ready to experience all British & Irish ways.
Q6. Every actor has a different process when stepping into a role. What’s been your approach to finding Hank and bringing him to life on stage?
I think with every process I go into, I want to find the truth and connect the characters’ truth to my truth. At the end of the day, it’s me playing that role, so there will always be that element of me in that character. It’s fun exploring how that connects and then comes out.
Q7. Looking back, what first inspired you to pursue performing professionally? Was there a particular show, performer, or moment that sparked it?
One of the greatest performers of all time who inspired me was Michael Jackson. I am a farm boy, so theatre was not accessible to me growing up in South Africa. We had a small television, and I remember watching a video of his stadium tour performance and thinking, I want to do that and be like that.
Many years later, my family and I took a holiday to see The Lion King in 2007. It was a five-hour drive away, and we could only afford the cheapest seats right at the back. It was that performance that made my sister and me say to our mom, we want to do that.
That was the moment the journey into musical theatre began, and almost twenty years later, I am here. Very grateful.
Q8. Touring life can be intense but also incredibly fun. What’s one essential item or ritual you always need with you on the road?
I have to go to the gym. I have travelled the world for years on different shows, and the ritual that grounds me every day is my time in the gym. I have come to learn it’s so good for my mental health. To shift my mood and allow me to have a ‘constant’ in all the change. A huge health & fitness advocate. I could go on!
Q9. If you could swap roles with anyone else in Jersey Boys for one performance, who would it be and why?
I think it would be Mary Delgado. She is a beast of a character to play, and Sydnie does her so much justice. I can’t wait for you all to experience her Mary.
Q10. Finally, what advice would you give to young performers hoping to break into the industry and land a show like Jersey Boys one day?
The advice I always give young performers is simple: treat this as a craft before you treat it as a dream role. Shows like Jersey Boys come from consistency, discipline, and truth in performance over time not chasing a single casting.
Focus relentlessly on your fundamentals: singing, acting, movement, and storytelling. In Jersey Boys, it is not just about a great voice; it is character, rhythm, ensemble work, and emotional precision every night.
Resilience is essential. You will face rejection far more often than acceptance, and the performers who last are the ones who use every no as refinement rather than taking it personally.
But beyond craft, the most important journey is being you. Understanding your psychology, your why, staying curious, and constantly learning. There is grit required in this industry, but also something deeper, a higher power we connect to by staying present and following intuition.
And finally, stay ready and visible. Opportunities come unexpectedly, so prepare as if you are already in the show you want.
If you combine discipline, curiosity, humility, and persistence with authenticity, you give yourself a real chance not just at Jersey Boys but at a sustainable career in the industry. Enjoy the journey.
