Before Christmas, a group of our younger Performing Arts students had the exciting opportunity to visit Northern Stage in Newcastle to watch their magical Christmas production of Beauty and the Beast. This already special trip turned into an unforgettable experience, as the production featured former St John’s student, Conor McCready, in the starring role of the Beast.
A Proud Moment for St John’s
Seeing Conor take centre stage was a true highlight for our students and staff. Not only were they captivated by the performance, but they were also able to meet Conor afterwards. He generously spent time chatting with them about:
- His journey into the performing arts
- How he secured the role of the Beast
- His favourite memories of his time at St John’s, Bishop Auckland
For Mrs Rose, who taught Conor in Drama, the experience was particularly meaningful. Watching a former student follow his passion and succeed in the arts was a moment of immense pride—and a powerful reminder of what dedication and creativity can achieve.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Our aspiring performers left Northern Stage feeling inspired and motivated, fuelled by the realisation that someone who once sat where they now sit has gone on to achieve such success. Conor’s story is a wonderful example of where talent, hard work, and perseverance can lead.
A Special Thank You
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to both Northern Stage and Conor McCready for making the visit so memorable. Experiences like this not only enrich our Performing Arts programme but also show our students the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.