A 12-year-old boy from Shenley is starring as the main character in a family-friendly musical currently being performed at the National Theatre in London.
Bertie Caplan, who attends Parmiter’s School in Garston by day, plays Luke in the adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches by night. The story follows Luke and his gran as they dare to stand up against a group of witches who are attempting to turn children into mice.
The show, which is on until Saturday, January 27, has been met with widespread critical acclaim.
Bertie spoke to Garston News and said: “It’s exhilarating to be surrounded by professional actors, performing to more than 1,000 people!
“I did have a bit of stage fright at the beginning, but I find that you do the job better when you’re confident than when you’re a bit wobbly.
“It’s really fun to play such an enthusiastic character as he disappears and appears again throughout the plot. It’s like being in a playground, except I’m onstage!”
Following in the footsteps of his father, the renowned actor and director Ben Caplan, Bertie has already amassed an impressive portfolio of theatrical experiences. His first experience on stage was at the Donmar Warehouse, whilst Roald Dahl fans will already recognise the young actor from the 2023 film Wonka.
When he’s not busy wowing critics with his performances, Bertie spends much of his time backstage catching up on his schoolwork.
Bertie explained: “Parmiter’s have been really supportive of me, and my teachers are always happy to set catch-up work.
“Last month, 130 other students came to see the show and I was so happy to see them all rooting for me. Apparently, they were trying to make me laugh! Every time I looked over, they’d all wave.”
The Witches is on at the National Theatre until January 27. Find out more at www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/the-witches
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