DOWNEND schoolboy Toby Nash is dreaming of a life on stage after performing in a professional production at the Bristol Hippodrome.
Stanbridge Primary School pupil Toby, aged eight, won a role in a production of JB Priestley’s classic thriller An Inspector Calls when it visited Bristol in October.
Toby attends the Stagecoach Bristol North theatre school in Filton, which told families the National Theatre touring production was looking for three children to take on roles for its eight sold-out shows in Bristol.
He was cast as ‘The Younger Boy’, and was the first person on stage in the opening scene, which he started by running down through the stalls with a torch.
Toby was sent a DVD showing him the movements required for the non-speaking role before having two rehearsals.
The play was directed by Olivier and Tony award-winning Stephen Daldry, who is best known for directing the film and musical productions of Billy Elliot.
Mum Rachael said Toby had remarkably few nerves about opening the show, and really enjoyed the week.
She said: “He’s always said he wanted to be a footballer but he wants to be an actor now.
“None of the family are actors but Toby always seems like he wants to make people laugh and smile – he’s a natural performer.”
Toby had to take some afternoons off school for shows and rehearsals but Rachael said the school was very supportive, saying it was too good an opportunity to pass up.