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Christmas truly is a magical time of year, and when you believe in your (s)elf, anything can happen.

The elves heard the wishes of two talented youngsters in the North East, and as a result, they landed roles in a production of Nativity the Musical!

Now that’s a holly jolly achievement.

Nine-year-old Emmy Hill and Isla Hood, aged 11, both from the same family of schools, graced the stage at Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre from 14 November to Saturday 18 November.

A very special moment to welcome the festivities

Isla, a Year 6 pupil at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in Shotton Colliery, has a starring role in the musical alongside Emmy, a Year 5 pupil at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School in South Shields.

Ecstatic Isla said: “It will be a very special moment as it is my first theatre debut. I am so excited,”

A fun-filled family favourite, Nativity the Musical, presented by Starlight Theatre Productions, was always destined to deliver hilarity and a welcome dose of Christmas cheer.

The show told the story of primary school pupils, their teacher, and their off-the-wall teaching assistant Mr Poppy, as they try to find a way to make everyone’s Christmas wishes come true.

In addition to an engaging plot, the musical featured all the sing-along favourites from the film as well as a host of new songs.

Emmy said: “I’m so excited that I get to perform on such a big stage. Normally I watch my friends, but this time they’re watching me!”

Staff from both schools, which are part of the Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, said everyone is incredibly proud of Emmy and Isla’s achievements and that they couldn’t wait to see the show.

A star is born (make that two stars!)

Chris Zarraga, Director of Schools North East, said: “Wow, huge congratulations to both Emmy and Isla! What an incredible achievement that they’re likely to remember for the rest of their lives.

“It’s also delightful to see such a positive reaction from the schools. Performing arts is great for pupils’ creativity, confidence, and social skills, and for Isla and Emmy to take this all the way to Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre is nothing short of spectacular.”

Lisa Ashton, Isla’s Head Teacher, said: “Isla is very talented and we are delighted to hear of her success. She has certainly let her light shine and we look forward to seeing her perform.”

Of Emmy, Head Teacher Carol Devine added: “Emmy is a star performer and extremely talented. I am very much looking forward to seeing her in action on the stage. We are all very proud of her achievements and I am sure she is destined for future stardom.”

Despite Nativity the Musical having come to an end, the two star pupils will continue to shine under the spotlight with upcoming roles in Jack and the Beanstalk and Beauty and the Beast  the musical (Emmy), and Les Miserables in Hartlepool next year (Isla).

We look forward to following Emmy and Isla’s journey to stardom! This is only the beginning, we’re sure of it.

Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust is a Schools North East Partner Trust. If you’d like to find out more about our Partner School Programme, click here.

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