Callum enjoys his big moment

By Kelly Yates
A SPOONFUL of sugar helps the medicine go down but it can’t seem to shake Callum Hawthorne’s disbelief after scoring one of the lead roles in the hit musical, Mary Poppins.
The 11-year-old from Narre Warren South is playing Michael Banks in the professional production, which is showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne.
This is the youngster’s first major show.
Callum said he still couldn’t believe he was in the musical, despite performing every week since opening night in July.
“I’m excited and overwhelmed by it,” he said.
“Walking out on stage at the opening show was magical. I was all jumpy. I couldn’t wait to get out there and show everyone what I could do.”
Callum started dancing in 2005 at Cathy-Lea Academy of Performing Arts in Narre Warren.
Callum’s mother, BJ Hawthorne, said she didn’t know her son could sing until he sang in his school production last year.
“I had no idea he could also sing,” she said.
“My jaw was on the ground. He was amazing.”
Ms Hawthorne said Callum went into the initial castings for Mary Poppins with no expectations.
She said scoring the role cemented in his mind that he wanted a career as a performer.
“I cried the first time I saw him on stage,” she said.
Principal of Cathy-Lea Academy of Perform-ing Arts in Narre Warren, Cathy Smith said it was a “massive” role and wonderful opportunity for Callum.
“I am very proud to have another student ‘tread-ing the boards’ in a professional production,” she said.
“It is not the only reason that I teach children performing arts, but it is certainly wonderful when you see students performing at a professional level and you realise that you have helped give them the skills to do this.
“It is a wonderful experience for any teacher to see a student achieve success as a result of their guidance and training.”
For tickets call the Mary Poppins hotline on 1300 555 593 or visit www.ticketek.com.au