With the stage at her feet and her sights set on the bright lights above, Bella Thomas is a step further to making a musical career come to life.
The Kirrawee High School student was this year named the youngest ever winner of Australia’s Helpmann Award for best female performer in a musical.
Bella, 12, of Mortdale, with seven of her fellow cast members, won the award on July 25 at a packed Lyric Theatre at the annual 16th award show.
In what was her professional debut, Bella recently finished an eight month project playing the lead role of Matilda in Tim Minchin's and the Royal Shakespeare Company's Matilda the Musical at the Lyric Theatre in Sydney.
She has previously performed in the lead role of Annie with the Miranda Musical society, and The Sound of Music (in the role of Gretl) with the Engadine Musical Society.
Bella was also a solo vocal performer in the NSW Schools Spectacular (2013-14).
She was chosen as a featured performer in the annual event this year on November 25-26 at Sydney Olympic Park.
“I was really excited to have been nominated with the other seven Matildas for this award,” Bella said.
“Being nominated up against some seriously amazing women – it’s really nice to have been recognised for the role that we put so much into each week.
“What I enjoy most about performing on stage is that it lets me be a different person.
“I also love making friends with people who love musical theatre as much as me.”
Next the talented performer is set to star in a lead role in the family hit musical Seussical, from August 18-28 at the Bryan Brown Theatre, Bankstown.
The magical musical extravaganza is inspired by the most famous and much-loved Dr Seuss characters who will come to life from children’s book shelves to an audience.
Bella plays JoJo, who goes on a journey of friendship and loyalty with an elephant.
The cast also includes Michelle Lansdown of Connells Point, Teale Howie of Beverly Hills, Izzy Tilden of Bardwell Park/Arncliffe, Callan Moroney of Kirrawee, Sally Redman of Grays Point and Josh Ridge of Woronora Heights.
“I’m really excited about doing another musical,” Bella said.
“The whole cast are so much fun to work with.”
Tickets: $40 adults, concession and groups 10+ $35, children under 13 $20.
Details: 8764 8137.
