Washington schoolboy brings Barry Manilow musical to life

Jack Hindmarch, 16, from Washington, is preparing to help bring alive the colourful tale, with music by Barry Manilow, for a series of performances by the West End Operatic Society.

The St Robert of Newminster School pupil will take to the stage at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House, in Newcastle, when the show is performed from April 4-8.

He’ll be featuring as Willie the waiter and a dancer in the musical, which is based on Barry Manilow’s 1978 song of the same name.

It tells the story of wannabe singer Lola who meets aspiring songwriter Tony when both are contestants on a radio show. Tony is immediately smitten with Lola and assists her flailing attempts to break into show business.

It’s the latest role for Jack who has also appeared in a UK tour of Oliver, in Matthew Bourne’s Lord of the Flies as well as in the lead role of Hamlet in a Shakespeare Schools Festival at Northern Stage in Newcastle.

Speaking about how he got into musical theatre, Jack said: “I used to play for a football team when I was younger, but I soon got bored of it and decided that it wasn’t for me. 
“I had always loved seeing shows and watching musical films. I decided to go to a local drama workshop and I was hooked.

“I think my favourite part is dancing. I know it sounds cheesy but dance takes away any stress you are feeling because you can lose yourself through dance.

“I could dance for ages.”

• Copacabana will be at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House from April 4-8. Tickets from Tel. 0844 249 1000.