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Lung Cancer Survivor Triumphantly Returns to West End Stage
14 Nov
Summary
- South African actor overcomes rare lung cancer to perform in West End
- Undergoes surgery to remove half of lung, faces lengthy recovery
- Secures role in West End musical just months after final surgery
In November 2025, South African theatre actor Jarryd Nurden, 34, is celebrating his triumphant return to the West End stage just six months after undergoing surgery to remove half of his lung due to a rare form of lung cancer.
Nurden, originally from KwaZulu-Natal, had harbored a lifelong ambition to perform in the West End. After securing a UK visa in August 2021 and moving to London in October, he was set to begin his first West End role in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Cinderella" in spring 2022. However, that winter, he was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, primary malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm of the lung (atypical carcinoid), which necessitated the removal of the entire lower lobe of his left lung.
The diagnosis and subsequent surgery plunged Nurden into a lengthy recovery period fraught with uncertainty over his performing future. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he fought his way back, securing a role in the musical "We Will Rock You" in January 2023, just months before his final surgery in July 2024 to address complications. In September 2024, Nurden made his triumphant return to the stage, covering the role of Mary Sunshine in the musical "Chicago" during its international tour in China.
Nurden's journey has been one of resilience and determination, as he overcame the challenges posed by his rare cancer diagnosis to reclaim his place on the prestigious West End stage, fulfilling his lifelong dream.
