Tommy conquers the world of ballet

The St Cadoc’s Primary pupil is one of 22 boys from across central Scotland starring in Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies at the Theatre Royal this week.

In Bourne’s piece, William Golding’s story is transferred from a desert island to an abandoned theatre — where order breaks down, and a group of boys begin to construct their own idea of civilisation.

Tommy (11) told The Extra: “I’m at Vivace Theatre School, and they invited me to audition. I found out I was in when my mum got a call and came out with a massive smile on her face. I asked what was going on and she said I’d been accepted.

“We were both really happy, jumping up and down and screaming — she’s been telling everyone ever since.”

The talented youngster added: “I’ve never done ballet before, but I’ve been performing for a while so I don’t think it’ll be that scary — I’m used to being in front of an audience.”

Tommy and his castmates were plucked from over 160 hopefuls aged between nine and 25 by dance company New Adventures and charitable arm Re:Bourne.

The youngsters will join the professionals on stage — but first, they were given a name, and asked to construct their own character.

For Tommy, that’s Henry. He explained: “His mum and dad die, and his great-grandparents send him off to this posh school, which is where he gets stranded in the theatre.

“It’s a lot easier than being told who you’re playing — I know Henry because I created him.”

There are more starring roles on the horizon — but when it comes to a career, he has his sights set even higher.

Tommy added: “I want to become a pilot. I like dancing, but there are lots of things I like to do -—I’ll probably carry it on when I’m older though, as a fun thing.”

Still, the young actor is grateful for the opportunity, and thanks Vivace, Matthew Bourne and “my mum and dad, because they’re very special to me”.

Lord of the Flies runs at the Theatre Royal June 11-14 — tickets from 08448 717 647 or www.atgtickets.com/glasgow.