First Year student Anton has made an extraordinary debut on one of the country’s most prestigious stages, starring in The Land of the Living at the National Theatre.
Anton, who played Young Thomas in the production, shared the role with three other boys. “My neighbour heard about a casting call from the National Theatre for a German or Polish-speaking boy,” he explains. “I went for the audition on my birthday and then came straight back to school and won first place in the Grade 4–6 Strings Competition in the Music Department. It was quite a birthday!”
His character, Young Thomas, is a boy in post-war Germany who was taken from his family because of his Aryan appearance. “He speaks only in Bavarian and Polish and sings in German, so I had to learn lines in two new languages,” Anton says.
Anton describes the cast as “a family,” adding, “I’ve had such a lovely and fun time with the other Young Thomases – they’ve all become great friends.”
The Land of the Living starred Juliet Stevenson as Ruth, a UN relief worker, and was directed by Stephen Daldry. It ran from 9 September to 1 November 2025 in the Dorfman Theatre. Reviews described the production as a ‘deeply humane drama’ with immersive staging, exploring the complex moral and emotional aftermath of war. Critics praised the performances and the thoughtful direction, noting the production’s scale and ambition.
Reflecting on the experience, Anton says, “I felt really at home, and everyone treated me so kindly. I’ve worked with some amazing actors, and at the end of the day, I learned that the most important thing is to have fun.”
Back at school, Anton is keen to build on his love of performance. “I’d love to get involved in a school Drama production and explore screen work too,” he says. “I want to show others how fun acting can be and encourage anyone, no matter their experience, to express themselves.”
Well done Anton!
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