A young Harrow dancer and actress has taken a huge leap on her road to stardom by landing a role in the new Matilda movie, released in theatres across the globe next month.
Meesha Garbett, 14, who lives in Harrow, stars in the movie, a musical, which tells the story of Matilda – an extraordinary girl armed with a ‘sharp mind and a vivid imagination who takes a stand against her oppressive parents and teachers.
Meesha’s proud Dad, Keith, said: “Meesha was born in Telford, Shropshire, and started dancing at the age of 3 – and was far too energetic! It was VERY APPARENT from the start that Meesha was an extremely gifted dancer. She won many, many medals in ballet, tap, jazz, song and dance etc, then at the age of, started street dancing.
She became the British Advanced Freestyle Street champion 5 times, the World Popping Battle champion and a 2-time World Street Dance champion.
“This was the start to her professional career starting with a music video for Lady Leshurr, since then she was in a George Ezra Music Video, and danced for Justin Bieber in front of a 10,000 crowd”, he said.
“Meesha is proof that anyone can make it”, he added.
The 14-year-old has also appeared in CATS, Jingle Jangle and Hobbs and Shaw, has lived in Harrow for over three years now and attends the Sylvia Young Theatre School. Meesha also appeared with her dance crew, IMD Legion who made it to the live semi-finals of the 2022 Britain’s Got Talent.
Harrow Online had the opportunity to speak with Meesha, who plays Hortensia in Matilda, ahead of the film’s global premier next month.
How did you get the role in Matilda?
“The EXTREMELY long audition process started as just ensemble dancer auditions, then covid paused, then they called back for Hortensia Audition, which was 4 rounds of Auditions! Literally 1000 children.”
What can we expect from you next?
“Good Question… I am about to start a project that I cannot say too much about (it’s very secret sometimes) I will be filming in Asia for 8 Days in December.”
What advice would you give to any young aspiring actors wanting to get into the business?
“I get asked this a lot on my Instagram, I have 11,600 followers and I try to help and tell them….WORK HARD! Anyone can achieve their goals! My Professional work all came from working hard in my dance.”
