Jan 08 - Madeline lands another top role
Madeline lands another top roleThe Royal Alexandra and Albert School is proud of its ability to get the best out of every child. The school has pupils who excel academically, in sport, in music and in many other ways. However, one pupil’s achievement is particularly remarkable. Madeline Castrey has landed her fourth major West End role by being chosen for the part of Young Nala in the musical Disney’s The Lion King. Madeline, who is still only 10 years old, has already had major parts in the musicals The Far Pavilions, Evita and Les Miserables. But it doesn’t stop there; she is currently appearing on The Basil Brush Show as Lucy – a key character in the series.
Madeline is already an accomplished musician. As well as achieving passes with distinction for Grade 5 Singing (ABRSM) a year ago and Grade 6 Musical Theatre (LCM), Madeline also passed Grade 5 Theory of Music (ABRSM) last term and is Grade 2 on piano, violin and clarinet. Josephine Rose, Director of Music at the school says ‘As well as being gifted and blessed with a beautiful voice, Madeline is very clever and is constantly striving for new challenges. She is currently composing a piece in the Serialist style based on Schoenberg’s 12-tone system! We are all so happy for Madeline – she works extremely hard and is a joy to teach.’
Madeline says ‘Music is my life; it is everything to me. I have been singing ever since I was 2 years old.‘
The Music Department at the School is a thriving hubbub of activity often until 9pm at night, with 12 practice rooms and a dedicated computer suite for music technology. The weekly programme of activities includes choirs, orchestra, pupil rock bands, strings and woodwind groups and MTA – the school’s own musical theatre academy.
Teachers at The Royal Alexandra and Albert School have worked hard to ensure that Madeline doesn’t miss out on any school work during periods when she is performing. Paul D Spencer Ellis, Headmaster of the School says ‘Madeline is a very capable pupil and is keeping up well with her school work despite having to take time off to appear in shows. We are pleased to be able to support her so that she can benefit from these valuable life-experiences without sacrificing her education’
