London-based Malaysian theatre actor on leading West End anime-based musical

Malaysian actor Zheng Xi Yong playing the lead role Kosei Arima in the West End musical, 'Your Lie In April', adapted from the Japanese romantic drama manga series. Photo: Craig Sugden

For Malaysian actor Zheng Xi Yong, taking on the lead role in London’s recently concluded West End musical Your Lie In April pushed him to face new challenges in more ways than one.

“Personally, this was the first time I’ve ever been cast as the lead in a show, having been in an ensemble, smaller, as well as supporting roles. Playing the lead came with a lot of pressure for several reasons: the role usually demanded a lot of stamina and a high level of skill,” says Yong, 29, during a recent interview.