Goole Academy pupil starring in Opera North’s production of Street Scene

Ben O’Connor 12, from Goole has been performing in Opera North’s production of Street Scene at the Leeds Grand Theatre which continues through February before touring the country to perform in front of thousands of people.

A pupil at Goole Academy, Ben has been acting, singing and performing for over four years since watching Goole Amateaur Operatic & Dramatic Society productions and decided to join. Since then, he has been given a lead in the Goole Amateaur Operatic & Dramatic Society & also been in Spoken word productions.

He was asked at the end of October if he would audition to be the under study for 2 parts along with his own part Johnny in Street Scene for Opera North in Leeds. After travelling to Leeds for the audition, his mum then received an email to say out of all the young boys who auditioned Ben was successful.

Ben and his mum (also nanna & grandad when mum at work) travel to Leeds up to three times a week to rehearse. He will perform at the Leeds Grand Theatre then go on tour with the chaperones to Newcastle, Manchester and Nottingham to perform.

Having not performed on a production of this scale before Ben is not nervous, he is loving how friendly and fun everyone is at rehearsals.

Ben’s mother, Nichola O’Connor told Our Goole: “The principal of the school has been amazing at allowing Ben the time off for rehearsal and are backing him 100% as they know he would like to be an actor when older.

“Travelling to Leeds three times a week to rehearse is hard going but well worth it. It is such an achievement for him.”

Ben loves performing on stage in front of everyone and hopefully one day hopes to be on stage in a production of Les Misérables.

Good luck to Ben and the whole cast of Street Scene!

For more information on Opera North’s production of Street Scene and how to book tickets, please click here.