False Bay Rugby Football Club

 If you came down to the club at the beginning of this season, you would have seen William running out for the club’s second team on the wing. He has previously represented the First team. His pace and elusive running, together with his natural talent makes him a very capable rugby player.

However, that all seems to have ended. No longer will he be expected to decide between his love of rugby and his love of the stage. Will has always enjoyed a deep passion for the stage from his early school days.

He joined the Cape Academy of Performing Arts in Westlake Business Park, and under the guidance of Andre Warth developed his ballet skills.

Andrew says that the story of Will’s joining is unique on its own. “William brought his girlfriend to classes one night and accepted the challenge to join”, said Andrew. “He’s a natural and his love of performing helps him tremendously”.

Now if you find yourself at the Lyceum Theatre on London’s West End at a performance of The Lion King, you will see William performing on stage. A member of the ensemble cast, William is understudy for one of the main characters, Simba. He has been a part of the cast since April and is thriving on the challenge and environment.

“This experience is something I can’t even begin to describe”, says William. “I have a tough time trying to explain the magic of the Lion King to people. It’s an epic beyond all proportions and its one of those things you can’t believe has been taken from an animated feature film to the stage”, he continues.

William does 8 performances per week from Tuesday to Sunday, performing before audiences in excess of 2000. He has played the role of Simba on six occasions so far and he says he cannot describe the energy he feels in front of such a large, enthusiastic audience. “Every time I perform, it feels like the first. It’s one of those roles that young people my age would die to perform because one is allowed to be so youthful in the role”.

William says that no one prepares you for the challenge of performing before a crowd of 2000 and that the roar of the audience, together with expectations one places upon oneself brings out the best in every cast member.

“I think its got to do with the fact that no matter what happens you are being watched all the time”, he says.

William says he still misses his rugby and his club. “I keep up to date. I’m so proud of False Bay and the manner in which they are competing in the Super League A, especially under the expectation that we would not do so”.

So what after The Lion King? That is quite a question. Where to for a young man, who so early in his career is a part of biggest stage show in the World in the biggest theatre district in the World?

“I would love to go and do the show in America”, he enthuses. “The lure of Broadway just seems too much for me not to dream about, and I would love to do Simba”.

William realises that the only way to achieve that is through absolute dedication and hard work. “ Oh and a lot of self-absorption! I want to be the best!” he says determinedly.

“Who doesn’t want to be? It is a big mountain to climb but I will get there!”

He shudders at the thought that his rugby days are over. Conditions of his contract do not allow him to participate in sport. “Although I still need to find that clause in my contract!”

William says he still craves the Saturday afternoons in the mud, the game and the camaraderie.

In the next breath he admits that he is living his dream and that “not many people get to do that”.

“To everyone at False Bay. I miss you all, you will always be my club and you always have your place in the 'Pride lands.'

Keep it going William, we’re proud of you.