WITH his curly hair and slight smile, 14 year-old James Cook really does look like Charlie Bucket, the star of the Brisbane Arts Theatre’s newest play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
James, who is starting Year 10 at Marist College, Ashgrove this year, is off to a flying start with his coveted role.
Francesca Gastine, who is assistant director of the play, said the 14 younger children in the cast were excellent performers.
“They’re sometimes more professional than their older counterparts,” she laughed.
Auditions were held for Charlie during August and September and the play’s first rehearsal took place in October.
Marcus Whittington, 15, who is also a Marist College, Ashgrove student, encouraged James to audition.
“I came along and tried out for Charlie,” said James.
Marcus is playing the role of Augustus Gloop.
Surprisingly, James hasn’t performed in any drama productions at school but has been with a private drama school run by the Ignations since January 2000.
James laughs and sighs with relief when I ask if he has to sing or dance as the character of Charlie Bucket.
“No, thank goodness, it’s just acting.”
During his final exams last year, James said the pressure was intense.
“I was doing rehearsals and my final exams and it was busy for a while there. I was doing a few shows with the Ignations too, including an end-of-year performance and a Christmas show,” he said.
However, his lead role in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is James’ biggest break so far.
“I’m so nervous,” admitted James. “I think everyone I know is coming but I’m not letting them tell me when they’re coming. I don’t want the added pressure of knowing that they’re in the audience.”
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is playing at the Brisbane Arts Theatre until January 27.
