Prep Pupil, Charlie, stars in the West End Production of Matilda

Can you share with us how you first got involved in acting and performing? 

I started with Stagecoach and joined my mum’s dance school and other acting and singing classes. Now, I’m at the British Theatre Academy (BTA).

What inspired you to audition for Matilda? 

It’s a well-known show and book. If I could get this onto my CV, I could go on to bigger productions, so I thought it would be a good place to start.

What role do you play in the production?

I played Nigel.

How did you feel when you found out that you got the role? 

I was really excited and happy when I found out.

How do you practice and prepare to play your part before stepping on stage? 

We pray for a good show under the tables, as that’s how we start the show. In the dressing rooms, we do various exercises and vocal warm-ups. 

What has been your most memorable experience during the production so far? 

My most memorable experience has been all the rehearsals and the time there was a show stop on the opening night, as there was a technical fault and we had to start the scene again.

What do you love about being on stage the most? 

Doing what I love and performing for an audience. 

Are there any other dream roles that you would like to play? 

I would like to play Billy Elliot in Billy Elliot; that would be an incredible part.

Who is your favourite actor? 

Charlie Stemp, who performs in Crazy For You.

 

While performing for Matilda, Charlie attended the BBC 500 Words at Buckingham Place on the 29th of February.

“We did a dress rehearsal in Buckingham Palace before performing ‘When I Grow Up’ to an audience including the winners, Alisha Weir, who played Matilda in Matilda the Musical film adaptation and Her Majesty The Queen.”

Charlie will be on The One Show for the Grand Final in a special programme presented by Roman Kemp and Alex Jones, ‘500 Words with The One Show’ on World Book Day, Thursday 7th March at 19:00, when the overall winners are crowned.