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Last Christmas brought more than presents for teenager Charlie Batchelor. It delivered his first professional theatre role in MJ the Musical. Now cast as Little Marlon, he’s learning Jackson 5 moves, balancing school with stage life, and soaking up the adrenaline of standing ovations.
Charlie’s big break came wrapped up under the Christmas tree. Hidden in his pile of gifts was a pair of jazz shoes and a printed email offering him the role of Little Marlon in MJ the Musical.
“I freaked out and started crying,” he laughs. “My grandparents were on Facetime from the UK and had no idea what was happening.”
The road to the stage started with video submissions before live auditions at the Lyric Theatre. “It was both nerve wracking and heaps of fun. I had never done anything like it before. Being backstage with the Hamilton cast was pretty surreal,” says Charlie.
Now in his first professional theatre role, he’s loving every minute. “The most surprising thing is how kind everyone is. The creative team are so supportive, and it is amazing how many people work behind the scenes, from wigs to lighting to stage management. Plus, the other seven boys who play Little Marlon or Little Michael are the best.”
And nothing beats the rush of a live audience. “When the crowd cheers, you get this huge hit of adrenaline. It feels so good.” Dancing remains his favourite part of the job, especially freestyling in the finale with “Middle Michael.” His top number? “ABC. The costumes are awesome, and the routine is so much fun.”
Between shows, Charlie still clocks three to five days at school each week and keeps busy with footy, touch, surfing, and hanging at Freshie with his cousins. A diehard Liverpool fan, he backs keeper Alisson Becker all the way. Next up, he’s Melbourne bound with the touring cast. “It is a wish come true,” says Charlie. “I’m so excited."
@charlie_batchelor_
