Chumisa Dornford-May Nominated for Big Theatre Award

Chumisa Dornford-May, a young actress from South Africa, has been nominated for a major award called the Olivier Award. This is for her work in the musical "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812". She started acting when she was very young.
By Newsroom | Arts, Theatre |

A Journey of Artistic Emergence

Chumisa Dornford-May, a performer whose career trajectory has seen a notable acceleration, is now a focal point of attention following her 2025 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical. This recognition for her role in "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" marks a significant milestone, yet it stands as one of several accolades and engagements that underscore her developing presence in the theatre world. Her journey, marked by dedicated training and a growing portfolio of diverse stage roles, suggests a deliberate path toward wider acknowledgment.

Foundations in a Rich Artistic Lineage

Born in Cape Town, South Africa, around 2003, Dornford-May's immersion in the performing arts began at an exceptionally young age. Her parents, Mark Dornford-May (a British theatre and film director) and Pauline Malefane (a South African opera singer, actress, and writer), co-founded the Isango Ensemble. This influential company is noted for its fusion of Western opera with African musical traditions, providing Dornford-May with an intrinsic exposure to varied theatrical expressions.

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  • Her early involvement included an appearance as a child performer in her father's 2013 short film adaptation of "Noye's Fludde - Unogumbe", an Xhosa-language rendition of Benjamin Britten's opera. This experience, alongside her mother, highlights the deeply embedded family connections to South African cultural productions.

  • With family ties to the UK, Dornford-May later relocated to Chester during her adolescence. This move was precipitated by a desire to pursue formal training in musical theatre.

Structured Development and Scholarship Support

Dornford-May undertook her formal musical theatre education at the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London, enrolling in the BA (Hons) Performance – Musical Theatre program in October 2020 and graduating in the summer of 2023. This period of intensive study appears to have been a pivotal phase in honing her craft.

  • A significant development during her academic career was her receipt of the Dame Elaine Paige Scholarship for Excellence in Musical Theatre in 2022. This award, covering full fees for the 2022/23 academic year, supported her final year of study.

  • The scholarship's stated aim is to nurture promising performers, enabling them to focus on advanced skills. Dornford-May has attributed her ability to develop skills such as bold character choices, vocal extremes, and belting techniques to this support.

Early Performance Engagements and Youth Programs

Prior to her formal higher education, Dornford-May engaged in youth programs that offered foundational performance experience.

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  • She was a member of On The Mark Youth Theatre (OTMYT) in Chester. Here, she participated in productions including a compilation show titled "Magic of The Musicals." Her portrayal of Elphaba in "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked" garnered critical acclaim.

  • Her planned role as Grizabella in "Cats" was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • During her time at Christleton High School, she took on roles such as Mimi in "Rent" and Dolores Van Cartier in "Sister Act," further building her experience.

  • In 2020, she received an initial scholarship to attend Mountview, facilitated by Elaine Paige, which was a precursor to her professional training.

Significant Professional Engagements and Accolades

Dornford-May's professional career has seen her participate in several notable stage productions.

West End and Major Theatre Productions

  • "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" at the Donmar Warehouse is a key production for which she received an Olivier nomination.

  • "Here We Are" at the National Theatre is another significant engagement listed.

  • Her credits also include:

  • "The Phantom of the Opera" at His Majesty's Theatre.

  • "The Addams Family – Musical in Concert" at the London Palladium.

  • "Aspects of Love" at the Lyric Theatre.

  • "Into The Woods" at the Bridge Theatre, where she played Cinderella.

Award Recognition

  • 2025 Olivier Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812."

  • 2024 UK Theatre Award nomination for Best Supporting Performance for her role in "Evita" at Leicester Curve.

  • Recipient of the Elaine Paige Scholarship for Excellence in Musical Theatre in 2022.

Expert Commentary and Public Perception

The Olivier nomination positions Dornford-May within a broader conversation about emerging talent in musical theatre. The nomination itself, for a performance in "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812," is presented as a notable event, particularly within the context of the Olivier Awards' function of recognizing theatrical achievement. While one source notes that the Olivier nominations can sometimes contain "surprises," Dornford-May's consistent engagement in high-profile productions suggests a pattern of recognition rather than an unexpected occurrence. Her inclusion among nominees is seen as a reflection of her growing prominence on the stage.

Broader Impact and Future Trajectory

Chumisa Dornford-May's career, from her early immersion in a culturally rich theatrical environment to her formal training and subsequent professional achievements, illustrates a structured progression within the performing arts. The Olivier nomination for "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812" and her previous UK Theatre Award nomination for "Evita" serve as quantifiable markers of her impact and critical reception. Her engagement in productions such as "Here We Are" and "Into The Woods" further cements her standing.

The evidence points to a performer who has benefited from both a supportive artistic upbringing and targeted professional development. The consistent presence in notable productions and award nominations suggests an active and ascending career. The scope of her acknowledged work, spanning from critically acclaimed youth theatre roles to major West End and National Theatre productions, indicates a deliberate cultivation of her talents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Chumisa Dornford-May nominated for?
She is nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. This is for her role in "Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812".
Q: Where is Chumisa Dornford-May from?
She was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She later moved to the UK for her studies.
Q: What is the Olivier Award?
The Olivier Awards are very important awards for theatre in the UK. They recognize the best work in plays and musicals.
Q: Did her family work in theatre?
Yes, her parents are both involved in theatre. Her father is a director and her mother is an opera singer and actress.