The life of a cruise performer is a unique blend of glamour and challenges, as actor Jacob Beresford discovered when he landed the lead role in Royal Caribbean's 'Back to the Future: The Musical.' But here's the twist: it was a storm that gave him the chance to audition in person. And now, his days are a delicate balance between rehearsals, strict schedules, and finding sunlight.
Beresford's journey began with a storm off the coast of Le Havre, France, in late 2024. This unexpected event led to an early return to Southampton, allowing him to attend an in-person audition for the musical. Fast forward, and he's now telling the story of Marty McFly on the company's newest ship, Star of the Seas, while cruising the Caribbean.
But here's where it gets controversial: life on board isn't all sunshine and smooth sailing. Performers face the challenge of engaging an audience who may not have specifically come to see the show. Unlike traditional theater-goers, these guests are on holiday, and their priorities lie in enjoying the ship's amenities. This can lead to unexpected interruptions, from mid-show conversations to alarms going off, which can be disheartening for performers giving their all.
And this is the part most people miss: the ship's movement. Despite its size, the vessel can rock significantly during storms, affecting performers' focus and movements on stage. It's a unique challenge, especially for a character like Marty, who spends a lot of time on his skateboard.
Beresford's daily routine involves physical and vocal warm-ups, adhering to the ship's meal schedules, and ensuring he gets enough sunlight. He highlights the importance of maintaining a strict routine, especially when it comes to food, as performers can't bring their own meals on board. The Caribbean sun provides a welcome break from the ship's interior, where performers can spend long hours without natural light.
The life of a cruise performer is a fascinating blend of adventure and adaptation, where storms can bring opportunities, and the ship's movement becomes part of the performance. It's a unique career path, and Beresford's journey is a testament to the unexpected twists and turns that can lead to a life on stage.
