She’s been involved in more theatre productions than she’s had years at school, and Saint Kentigern College student Scarlett Jacques is about to add another to her repertoire.
The 14-year-old is one of the lead performers in the National Youth Theatre Company’s show Oliver!, being performed at ASB Theatre next week.
The talented Remuera student has been with NYTC since she was seven years old, performing in ten of their productions to date, from The Sound of Music to Cat in the Hat.
Aside from NYTC, Scarlett has also taken part in other productions, including Annie at The Civic in 2014, the Wizard of Oz and Billy Elliot.
It’s her dream to one day be in and amongst the big stars on Broadway, and hopes to use her passion for singing, acting and dancing to study musical theatre abroad when she finishes school.
Based on Charles Dickens’ famous novel Oliver Twist, the show Oliver! tells the story of an innocent orphan boy who finds himself scared and lonely in the dirty streets around London but ends up living in a good home.
Scarlett’s character the Artful Dodger is a renowned street kid, highly skilled in the art of pick-pocketing and becomes Oliver’s best friend as the show goes on.
With seven shows in a three-day performance schedule, it will be a tight squeeze for time, but that’s a concept the year 10 student is no stranger to.
She’s currently involved in her school choir and school production, on top of Thursday and Sunday rehearsals for Oliver! and normal school work.
It’s a crazy schedule, admits Scarlett, with more than a few clashes, but she finds a way to make it work so that she can turn up and give her best.
“I try to practice as much as possible in my spare time because that’s better for everyone when it comes to the rehearsal.”
- Oliver! is showing at ASB Theatre from June 8-10.
