Theo Wake from Edinburgh is starring in the title role of the Leeds Playhouse production at Quarry Theatre of Oliver! to rave reviews.
The role as Oliver which he shares over the 100 performances with two others – Carter-J Murphy and Nicholas Teixeira – is his first lead role stage debut, and the trio were chosen from more than 1,500 who auditioned. Now that the reviews are in, they have largely recorded five stars for the production and the young stars.
Previously Theo performed in Edinburgh with Lothian Youth Amateur Musical Society (LYAMC), in the principal role of Jojo in Seussical the Musical at the Churchill Theatre. He was signed around a year ago by the London based Sylvia Young Agency and has since auditioned for various stage and screen roles. With family based there his parents say it will be relatively easy for Theo to work in the south of England.
The 10-year-old actor is a pupil at The Flora Stevenson Primary School (part of The City of Edinburgh Music School) where he studies piano and guitar. He trains with Dance for All, MGA Academy of Performing Arts, the Manor School of Ballet and Strangetown. Along with his theatrical training he is also a competitive trampolinist with Lothian Springers and a gymnast with Lasswade Gymnastics Club.
Theo travels from Edinburgh to Leeds by train with his parents, Magnus and Debbie, taking turns to accompany him.
Dad Magnus Wake said: “He now has one parent sharing his digs in Leeds along with two very furry friends. We found somewhere to stay by house sitting for people needing cover for their pets. Weekends are spent back in Edinburgh to see his older brothers.”
When the young cast was announced ahead of the run from November to the end of January, Director James Brining said: “We’re delighted to welcome these excellent young actors to play the iconic roles of Oliver and The Artful Dodger.
“We met hundreds of youngsters from across the north who gave fantastic and inspiring auditions. The excitement and enthusiasm shown by our final six as we start working together is infectious and I know they’re going to do a brilliant job of entertaining and enchanting audiences over the Christmas period. When they’re joined by the 32 other children, the 20 adult actors and our wonderful band, we’re going to have an absolutely fantastic and talented company to tell this amazing, well-loved tale.”
Theo has undertaken a variety of voice over and acting roles for commercials such as the voice of the baby fire alarm in a Scottish Government commercial and short films and pop videos including the recent YungBlud video filmed in Brixton- Low Life. But for now Theo is just loving being part of the Christmas show.
Dad Magnus offered some advice for others wanting to follow a career on stage: “This is an amazing opportunity for Theo with lots of support from his school and the groups that have helped him in the past. For anyone wanting to get into performance and are looking to develop a career at a young age you have to be looking outside of just Scotland.
“London is still the biggest place for casting. Fortunately you can now self-tape for auditions but not for everything. Find a London respected agent – just send in a tape and make them watch it. You can’t just hope you’ll be lucky, you have to make your own luck.”
A Leeds Playhouse production by special arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh. Lionel Bart’s Oliver!. Book Music and Lyrics by Lionel Bart, freely adapted from Charles Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Production licensed by Music Theatre International.
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