Setting the scene for their flourishing stage careers, Christ’s College students Charlie Wood and Cole Moffatt have secured their first leading roles for The Court Theatre.
The exuberant pair will share the role of the dashing young royal, Prince Eric, in The Little Mermaid Jr. production during the July school holidays in Christchurch.
For Charlie, 15, and Cole, 14, stepping into the spotlight is a natural move – and integral to their long-term aspirations.
“I hope to have a career on the stage as an actor and singer,” Charlie explains. “I love the opportunities that College has helped to enable, letting me take up multiple roles over the past few years and immerse myself in Drama.”
With a grandfather – aged in his 80s – who still sings during Chapel services, Charlie also feels empowered to perform by his family.
One of the first three Year 10s accepted into Schola Cantorum at College, the now Year 11 student has already featured in school productions of Legally Blonde, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr., and Rainbow’s Ending.
Next up, Charlie will appear in Anything Goes and Mary Poppins. He is also involved in House Plays, House Music, and the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival. And – alongside Cole – he is a member of the title-winning College Theatresports team.
Meanwhile, Cole hopes to establish himself on the Broadway and Westend stages, carving out an international career while also performing as a solo artist. He also has a musical family, including his aunt, Zara Ballara, an international opera singer.
“College has provided the ideal stage for me to further my love of music and drama,” he says. “The whole Drama Department has been so supportive, always letting me know about any outside productions and audition opportunities.”
Cole has been immersed in music and theatre for several years, along with winning multiple performance awards. Holder of a Choral Scholarship at Christ’s College, the Year 10 student has already featured in Bugsy Malone, Spamalot, Legally Blonde, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. and also tutors primary school kapa haka groups.
Watch a production excerpt here.
