Today, a group of our enthusiastic younger Performing Arts students from St John’s, Bishop Auckland enjoyed a truly memorable morning at Northern Stage in Newcastle, where they were invited to watch this year’s magical Christmas production of Beauty and the Beast.
This visit was made even more special because the role of the Beast was played by former St John’s student, Conor McCready. Seeing someone who once stood where they stand now performing in a major theatre production was an unforgettable and inspiring moment for our budding young performers.
A Show to Remember
The students were captivated by the energy, music, and creativity of Northern Stage’s production. The performance brought classic storytelling to life in a fresh and engaging way, leaving our students buzzing with excitement and admiration.
A Proud Moment: Meeting Former St John’s Student Conor McCready
Following the show, our students were given the unique opportunity to meet Conor backstage.
They chatted with him about:
- His career journey in the performing arts
- How he landed the role of the Beast
- His favourite memories from his time at St John’s
Conor spoke with real warmth and encouragement, reminding our students that passion, hard work, and belief in themselves can take them far.
This was also a particularly special moment for Mrs Rose, who taught Conor during his time at St John’s. Seeing a former Drama student pursuing his talent so successfully was a proud and heartwarming experience.
A Huge Thank You
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to:
- Northern Stage, for their hospitality and for creating such a magical production
- Conor McCready, for taking time to inspire the next generation of performers
Our students left feeling motivated, excited, and full of creative ambition—a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season.
