Super talented Freddie Thomason (8) and Emily Rimmer (13) are riding on a crest of a wave after the pair were cast as ‘Lost Boys’ in the Liverpool Empire’s Peter Pan.

The spectacular panto, starring Tony Maudsley, John Evans and Asa Elliott, promises a swashbuckling family adventure that you’ll never forget! Its packed full of evil pirates, lost boys, a very hungry crocodile and the meanest man in Neverland, Captain Hook. With jaw-dropping flying and special effects, barrel-loads of laughter and a ship-full of magic and fairy dust there’s plenty of festive fun for everyone. It runs from Saturday, December 7 until Sunday, December 29.

13-year-old Emily

8-year-old Freddie

Says Mrs Lamont: ” I’m very excited for Emily and Freddie as I know they will have a great time in panto. Emily and Freddie are both hard workers with loads of talent.”

Freddie’s success follows on from some other drama highs. Firstly, he got Distinction for his latest LAMDA exam in the Speaking of Verse & Prose with a mark of 91 (he also got Distinction for his previous exam with a mark of 95). Then he performed a solo acting piece, for the first time, at Southport Festival of Music and Drama, and took 1^st place. He was also awarded a 3^rd place certificate for his verse speaking.

Mrs Lamont, adds: “I was not surprised when Freddie was selected to be part of the Empire’s professional pantomime. He oozes confidence and always has a twinkle in his eye. Teaching Freddie is extra special for me because I also taught drama to his lovely Mum Danielle. Just like his mum, he has bags of talent and works very hard to perfect his performances. I think he will gain such a lot appearing in pantomime and I know he is looking forward to it immensely.”

Freddie will be appearing in Peter Pan at Liverpool Empire on December 7 (2.00 pm and 7.00 pm), December 12 (1.00 pm and 7.00 pm), December 14 (1.00 pm and 7.00 pm), December 17 (11.am and 7.00 pm), December 20 (2.00 pm and 7.00 pm), December 22 (1.00 pm and 5.00 pm), December 24 (1.00 pm and 5.00 pm), December 27 (2.00 pm and 7.00 pm, December 29 (1.00 pm and 5.00 pm).

The gorgeous Freddie and his equally gorgeous Mum Danni

Having had great success at festivals performing an hilarious Stephen Fry sketch, Oliver Bigley was delighted to meet the man himself.

Oliver, who is studying Latin and Ancient Greek at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, met Stephen at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall when he performed Mythos; A Trilogy by Stephen Fry – Gods.

Oliver meets Stephen!

In the plays, Stephen Fry takes to the stage in the company of the Greek gods, heroes and men whose gripping tales still echo today. The trilogy charts the creation of the Cosmos and the primordial deities; the splendidly bloody interbreeding and family feuding that led to the rise of the Olympians – Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena, Hermes and the rest; and the creation of Humankind.

Says Oliver: “I went to all three nights at the Phil. His shows were really enjoyable and it was great to meet Stephen in person”.

Eight-year-old Martha Last had a brilliant time filming Halford’s new TV advert.

Martha and her dad Greg (who also features in the advert) travelled to Worthing on the South coast for the shoot.

Martha’s Mum, Catherine Last, says: “They had the BEST day!! Greg said Martha was so very professional and was so proud of her. She totally has the filming bug now!”

Says Mrs Lamont, “Martha auditioned in Manchester for the role. Usually filming schedules include a wardrobe fitting but I think this is the first time an agency member has had a scooter and bike fitting! As you can see from their smiling faces, Dad and daughter had a great time together enjoying two nights in a London hotel and first-class travel!  Well done to you both!”

Following three rounds of auditions in London, Lamont Casting is proud to announce that drama school and agency member 8-year-old Isla Gie has been chosen to play the part of Cindy Lou in the first-ever UK Tour of How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical – the record-setting New York Christmas sensation – will begin its first-ever UK tour in November, ahead of a Christmas season at The Lowry in Manchester. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas”, Max the Dog narrates the show, as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is ‘two sizes too small’, decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos.

Isla, who is one of four girls playing the lead role, will appear with comedy legends Gregor Fisher and Griff Rhys Jones playing narrator Max the Dog at different venues, X-factor winner Matt Terry who will play Young Max and Edward Baker-Duly as the Grinch himself!

Isla (top) with the other Cindy Lous!

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical UK Tour will make its UK premiere at New Wimbledon Theatre on Friday 1 November 2019, play Glasgow, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Birmingham, before starting a 4-week Christmas season at The Lowry in Salford on Tuesday 10 December 2019.

Magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan are inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations and help to transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, and to conjure the true meaning of Christmas. The production is based on the show originally created by Tony Award winning director, Jack O’Brien and choreographer John DeLuca. The show broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway. Since then, more than 2 million people across America have been thrilled by this heart-warming musical.

Says Mrs Lamont: “What a very exciting lead up to Christmas this will be for Isla. Cindy Lou is a major role for her and will really showcase her acting, singing and dancing talents. I think she well make an amazing Cindy Lou Who! Isla has friends and family throughout the UK so it will be lovely for them all to see her in this award-winning musical ”

Isla added: “I’m so excited. I really wanted to play the part of Cindy Lou because she is a lovely girl who saves Christmas! I tried extra hard at the auditions and couldn’t believe it when they told me I’d got the part. I’ve already learnt a few moves and a song from the audition stages and absolutely love performing them. The costumes and music are all really bright and fun and I can’t wait to meet the rest of the cast when rehearsals start at the end of September.”

Isla will have a tutor during her six-week rehearsals in London and then will feature every other week in the musical as it tours the UK.

Congratulations to all pupils for gaining such excellent results in the last session of LAMDA Examinations. 35 children took the exams – from introductory to Grade 8 (Gold Medal) and there were 32 Distinctions and 3 High Merits.

The following pupils all got Distinction (with those gaining a fantastic 90 and over marked)

SPEAKING OF VERSE AND PROSE

Introductory 3

Gadowl Oyedeji (D – 98)

Entry

Zara Murray-Cakar (D), Sujaani Mathanraj (D), Grace Hayes (D – 90), Freddie Thomason (D – 91),

Lois Cringle (D – 94), Esme Goatcher (D – 96), Martha Last (D – 98)

Grade 1

Jesikka Rajkumar (D – 90)

Grade 2

Jake Ashcroft (D), Dominic Oliver (D), Vaishana Ilanko (D – 95)

Grade 3

Serafina Campolucci-Bordi (D), Flyn Aindow (D), Milind Potla (D)

Grade 4

Vaishali Ilanko (D), Lori-Jo Quinney (D – 92)

Grade 5

Louisa Whorton (D), Alexander Goldman (D), Matilda Brookes-Jones (D – 94)

Grade 6

Varshaa Premakantha (D), Catarina Cardeira (D – 90)

Grade 8

Priya Lal (D), Grace Farnell (D – 97)

SOLO ACTING EXAMS

Grade 6

Jasmine McElhinney (D),  Henry Leason (D),  Evie Clark (D), Faye Hannaway (D – 93), Orlando-Campolucci-Bordi (D – 93)

Grade 7

Kristina Rawsthorne (D)

Grade 8

Joe Houghton (D), Francesca Medlicott (D – 97)

Our very own Luke Barnes’ latest piece of writing ‘Lost Boys’ kicks off at Unity Theatre in Liverpool in September. Luke, an award-winning playwright, excels at writing topical, though-provoking material.

This brand new commission from National Youth Theatre Alumnus and Luke is a play for everyone about growing up in a new northern town, exploring how where you’re from and gender identity affects who you are, who you become and your mental health.

The play opens at the Unity Theatre, followed by a tour of community venues across Merseyside.

Sending warmest congratulations to two of my most loved former pupils.

Firstly to Erin Clarke who has secured a place at the prestigious Central School of Drama in London.

Erin sill be studying Drama, Applied Theatre and Education from September.

She says: “I absolutely delighted to have been offered this opportunity. The audition was challenging, and though-provoking and I can’t wait to get started. I’d like to thank you Mrs Lamont for always believing in me and encouraging me to do my best and to believe in myself. Without all of that and the industry experience you provided, an opportunity like this would have been out of my reach.

Says Mrs Lamont: “This is a fantastic achievement and I am so very proud of Erin.  Her special perseverance, conscientiousness and incredible talent have paid off. As you can see from her comments, Erin is not only super-talented but refreshingly humble and a lovely person. She was a delight whether studying for exams, festivals or in our fun general classes. My time spent teaching her will remain one of my fondest memories.

Keep in touch Erin and let us know how you get in on this next exciting stage of your life.”

Also enjoying success is 20-year-old Rory Rushton (aka much-loved nephew).

Rory, studied drama at the Lamont School from aged 4, doing his first duologue ‘Jan Klaason’ with Rebecca Dorrity at the Crosby Festival. They, of course, scooped 1st place for sheer cuteness – and talent! Rory (and Rebecca) went on great success in festivals and their LAMDA exams before leaving to both go to Lancaster University!

After the first 2 years of his Accountancy and Finance Degree, Rory has been awarded a Scholarship Placement with top finance company Fitch Ratings in Canary Wharf, London.

Says Rory: This is a fantastic opportunity for me. I’ve been in London for 6 weeks and I’m loving every minute of it. I’m sharing a house in Greenwich with four other Lancaster students on the scholarship programme. It’s great fun as we are all new to London so we’re exploring it together. My first day at Fitch was on a team building day on a city farm in Tower Hamlets. I had a great day mucking out with my new team and bosses!

Rory down on the farm!

I will return to Lancaster to finish my degree in September 2020 and after that I hope to return to Fitch as a Graduate Associate”.

The 5 Lancaster Scholarship interns (Rory second from left)

Rory’s latest success follows on from him being awarded a Harrison Scolarship from Merchant Taylors’ School of Boys for exceptional ‘A’ Level results and being awarded a Lancaster Excellence Scholarship.

Ever happy Rory!

Says Mrs Lamont: “Rory’s academic success is down to him being an exceptional hard worker and dedicated student. He says he learnt his great work ethic from Merchant Taylors and from Lamont Drama School (especially from me and my motto …fail to prepare, prepare to fail!) . I’m delighted to accept credit, Rory!”

Go Rory!

Lamont Casting Agency and Drama School member 8-year-old Isla Gie is celebrating after being awarded a coveted All England Championship Winner’s Medal.

Isla performed two dances at the All England National Finals at The Wycombe Swan Theatre in London. Her hard work was rewarded in the Song & Dance A Section (7-8 year-olds) when she won the Silver Winner’s Medal. Isla performed Bigger Isn’t Better from Barnum.

Isla after receiving her winner’s medal for Bigger Isn’t Better!

Founded in 1923, the All England Dance Competition has gained itself a reputation for excellence. The standard of dance is exceptionally high with entrants coming from all across the UK.  The search for the top dancers begins at the start of the year, followed by five Regional Finals and culminating in the National Final taking place over nine days in London.

Well done Isla!

HIP HOP HOORAY! for these fantastic pupils from my 9.45 am Saturday class and 5.30 pm Monday class.

Festivals and LAMDA exams bring Lamont pupils many trophies, certificates and medals – but none are more well-earned than the school’s End of Year Special Awards.

I am extremely proud to announce the results from just two of my classes. Seven-year-old TILLY BLUNDELL, 7-year-old FREDDIE THOMASON and 8-year-old AIDEN BARCLAY won medals for Achievement, Endeavour and Politeness. Equally fabulous and winning medals were SUJAANI MATHANRAJ, ZARA MURRAY-CAKAR, GRACE HAYES, LOIS CRINGLE and JESIKKA RAJKUMAR

Their immaculate behaviour and sheer joy of life makes them a dream to teach – and I look forward to my time spent with them – and the rest of my pupils, each and every week!

I’d like to wish all  of my fabulous pupils, a well-deserved Summer break. I look forward to seeing everyone back in September for more excellent teamwork and fun.  Enjoy!

Awesome Aiden!

Fantastic Freddie!

Terrific Tilly!

The 5.30 pm Monday class, from left to right:
SUJAANI MATHANRAJ (8), ZARA MURRAY-CAKAR (8),
GRACE HAYES (8),
LOIS CRINGLE (8) and
JESIKKA RAJKUMAR (8)

Sending lots of luck to these three little Lamont gems who are all auditioning this weekend to play Little Cosette in the current UK Tour of Les Misérables.

Looking good – Esme Goatcher (left) and Martha Last.

Our little song-birds, 8-year-old Esme Goatcher, 7-year-old Martha Last (pictured together) and 8-year-old Lois Cringle will be showing off their singing and acting skills in auditions this Sunday, in a bid to be chosen as Little Cosette for the Liverpool leg of the UK tour. All three are extremely talented little actors and are on a high after taking their Entry LAMDA Exams last weekend.

Lovely Lois

Seen by over 120 million people worldwide in 52 countries and in 22 languages, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals.  After nearly a decade since the last sell-out UK tour, Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed Broadway production of Boublil and Schönberg’s musical Les Misérables is touring the UK. Earlier this year, Lamont Drama pupil 8-year-old Isla Gie performed as Eponine at the Leicester Curve and was then invited back to play Little Cosette at the Birmingham Hippodrome.

The brilliant new staging of the UK Tour has taken the world by storm and has been hailed ‘Les Mis for the 21st Century’. With scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, the magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs: I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Bring Him Home, One Day More, Master Of The House and of course, Little Cosette’s iconic solo Castle on a Cloud.  Go for it girls!