Solomon Davy may not be an Exmouth Jester by trade, but he carries the spirit of one everywhere he goes. A Jester entertains, lifts the room, and brings people together and that’s exactly what Solly does on stage, whether he’s performing under the bright lights of the Dominion Theatre or singing to thousands on a UK & Ireland tour. His journey through Grease, Hairspray, Clueless, The Code and a whole line-up of pantomimes shows that performing takes effort, commitment and a genuine love for what you do.
Basketball fans know that great players rely on more than talent. It’s timing, teamwork, confidence, and the ability to stay composed when the pressure rises. Theatre is no different. Solly’s movement becomes storytelling, his timing lifts the whole cast, and his calmness helps every performance land. Both worlds demand the same things: preparation, focus, consistency, and staying true to yourself when the moment arrives.
A true Jester isn’t defined by a jersey. They’re defined by presence, positivity and the way they make people feel. Solly has all of that in abundance.
So, you aren’t an ‘Exmouth Jester’ but you are most definitely a Jester. What shows have you been in?
Grease (Dominion Theatre, London as Kenickie), Hairspray (UK and Ireland Tour as Link Larkin), Clueless (Churchill Theatre, Bromley as Christian Stovitz), The Code (Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London as Chad Manford), Cinderella (New Wimbledon Theatre & Bristol Hippodrome as Prince Charming), Snow White (New Victoria Theatre, Woking as Ensemble), Sleeping Beauty (Grand Theatre Wolverhampton as Prince Stephen).
Have you ever performed in the South West?
I have! On tour with Hairspray.
You must have been able to visit some incredible places when on tour with Hairspray. What are some really cool venues you’ve performed in?
Yes, I was very lucky to go all around the country and Ireland too.
Edinburgh Playhouse is pretty cool. 3k people! There’s also some really quirky theatres around the country e.g. Brighton (half of it is a converted house so the dressing rooms are more like bedrooms).
What is it like ‘living on the road’? What do you always need to take with you?
Just the essentials really: toiletries, a coat. I toured my guitar which was a hassle but so worth it.
Quite possibly the hardest questions to answer – Singing, Dancing, or Acting – Start, Bench, and Cut From The Team?
Ooooo so hard. I’m gonna keep …singing and dancing… cut the acting.
Musical Theatre is one of the most demanding art forms. How often do you train? Are you learning any new skills at the moment?
I’m constantly training, it’s something you can never stop improving at. Currently learning guitar and always working on my vocal technique.
Other people we’ve spoken to need qualifications to do their work. But I guess you need more skills and experience? How and where did you get yours?
I trained at Wilkes Academy for 3 years and have done a lot of private singing coaching.
Getting the part of Kenickie in Grease for your West End debut must have been incredible? What do you remember most about that time?
I remember coming off stage the first show and sobbing lol. I was so overwhelmed and it felt like my whole life had led up to that moment.
How tall are you? Can you dunk?
6ft 1… I wish.
Most recently you were in a play called The Code with acclaimed actor Nick Blakeley, as well as British TV legends John Partridge(Eastenders) Tracie Bennett(Coronation Street). What was it like sharing a stage with that cast?
Pretty scary at first, but you get used to it once you get to know them, they’re just human beings like the rest of us.
Basketball and Theatre go hand in hand in many respects. How important is a positive culture across the whole crew so great performances can happen?
Oh that’s so important especially when it’s something creative. The best work is made when people feel comfortable to be themselves and just play.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
mk.gee, Dijon, Tyler the Creator, Doggone
‘Not making the team / Getting the role’ is something that people in basketball and theatre may both experience. How do you deal with any setbacks?
You just have to continue on to the next. I’ll always assess what could’ve gone better but not beat myself up about it. Gotta be practical not pushing.
Channing Tatum is famous for his work as a dancer but also acting in the iconic basketball film Coach Carter. If a basketball role came up in a movie would you take it? (We can hook you up with some training sessions)
Absolutely.
Do you have a favourite basketball movie?
Does High School Musical count?
If you ever had enough of performing would you come and be our mascot and perform at half-time?
Happily.
What’s coming up for you next?
I’ve just started panto in my hometown (Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton), and nothing lined up after, so back to auditioning!
Anyone you would like to give a shout out to?
Big shout out to the whole Davy fam (particularly a certain cousin of mine, he knows who he is 😉
That’s a wrap, people! (For now)
Whether it’s a theatre audience or a packed basketball court, the magic is always created the same way — by people giving their best, supporting each other, and enjoying the moment. Speaking with Solly is a reminder that behind every great performance, on stage or on court, there’s preparation, patience and a lot of heart.
His journey shows that you don’t need to be a baller to understand what being a Jester truly means. It’s about effort, community, humour, and staying true to who you are while bringing out the best in the people around you. Solly lives that every time he steps into rehearsals, goes on stage, or simply shares a laugh with the people he works with.
And if the day ever comes when he wants to trade the stage lights for a mascot suit, we know he’d light up half-time just as brightly as he lights up theatres across the country. Until then, the Jesters are cheering him on — one show, one performance, one brilliant moment at a time.