Cambodian performer and a graduate of the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), David Ouch, made his unexpected, West End debut last night, perfectly proving that Swings and Understudies are the backbone of the theatre community .
David, who is currently a swing on the Parisian production of Titanique at the Theatre du Lido, understudies the role of Ruth. The production, which opened just two weeks ago, has not yet been in a position to need David to play the role… until yesterday – in London!
Due to cast illness in the West End production of Titanique, the evening performance was almost cancelled until David hopped on the Eurostar, arriving just one hour before curtain up, in a theatre he had never seen and with a cast he had never met to play the role (he has never played) and save the day!
What a joyous and heart warming story. This is why I am delighted to be introducing an award for Best Swing at the 2025 West End Wilma Awards, taking place on Sunday 2 November at Leicester Square Theatre. Public nominations are now open and so if you were there to witness this remarkable event, why not nominate David for the Best Swing award here.
Read more about the London production of Titanique, including my ★★★★ review here
More about David Ouch
Recently, David performed in the International & Australian tour of Miss Saigon, understudying and performing the role of Thuy.
Other theatre credits include : Elf The Musical (Sydney Opera House); The Original Company of Moulin Rouge! Australia; World Premiere & Australian tour of Muriel’s Wedding; The Secret Garden; Anything Goes and Showboat.
Television includes: Paddington Bareback in the TV Series, Why Are You Like This (ABC/Netflix).
A Promised Land is David’s first self-devised work. The show recounts the story of how his family survived the Cambodian Civil War and found home in a promised land called Australia. A story of survival, strength, and sacrifice. He is grateful the work has had a few developments: Riverside Theatre (2015) & Watch This Company (2022). He would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support.
