Shanay Holmes


Shanay Patrice Holmes is an Britsh actor, singer and producer. She is best known for playing Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh' revival of Oliver!.

Early life

Holmes was born in High Wycombe and grew up in Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire. Holmes attended Amersham and Wycombe College. At age fourteen, she joined a youth choir called Young Voices. She landed her first West End role in Thriller – Live.

Career

She played Cindy Breakspeare in 2021 in Get Up, [Stand Up! The Bob Marley Musical], in which The Stage described hers as a "stand out performance". In 2023, Holmes played Ellen in Miss Saigon at Sheffield Theatres; The Times described her as "volcanic" in the part.
Holmes starred as Nancy in the 2024 revival of Oliver! at the Chichester [Festival Theatre] and continued in the role when Oliver! transferred to London's Gielgud Theatre. In its review of the West End engagement, the Financial Times wrote that she "shines as Nancy". The Stage praised her "sensual, heartbroken" portrayal and vocal power. Another notice commended her work in Oom-Pah-Pah and As Long as He Needs Me. Reviewing the production's Chichester run, The Times noted audience response to her performance.

Producing work

Holmes is a producer and co-founder of West End Musical Productions with her husband Chris Steward. The couple produce Musical Con among their musical theatre projects. In 2021 they won the Black [British Theatre Awards|Black British Theatre Award] for Best Producer for their production "West End Musical Celebration at Palace Theatre". Musical Theatre Review described it as an “expertly created and executed showcase”. West End Musical Productions won the 2024 Michael Hastings, [Baron Hastings of Scarisbrick] award for outstanding work in the industry at the 2024 [Black British Theatre Awards].

Stage

Awards