A young Novocastrian is preparing to step onto one of the biggest stages in the country, as he joins the state’s most talented performers at Schools Spectacular.
Hunter School of Performing Arts student Lachlan King has been named a featured vocalist for this year’s show.
It’s a prestigious role, which will see the Year 8 pupil perform in front of thousands at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on 28 and 29 November.
Lachlan is just one of 52 students selected statewide for prominent positions in the annual production, which showcases more than 5,500 NSW public school performers.
He will join 36 featured vocalists, seven instrumentalists and eight backing vocalists in a show described by organisers as “truly remarkable”.
That’s after impressing judges across three competitive audition rounds with performances from Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical, Michael Jackson and Jack Black.
Creative director Sonja Sjolander said this year’s participants were stronger than ever, with students chosen for their technical skills and emotional storytelling.
“We’ve seen some of the most remarkable talent ever this year,” she explained.
“Students who are not just technically skilled, but who bring powerful messages of hope, courage and creativity to the stage.
“The performance promises an extraordinary variety of music and art forms, from classical to jazz, hip hop to rock, reflecting the diverse voices and stories of young Australians today.
“This is a show about making your mark, about daring to live out loud and standing up for one another and our students are excited and ready to inspire others.”
The 2025 theme, Remarkable, is set to explore what it means to “stand out, speak up and shine”.
“Whether it’s a heartfelt solo, a dazzling instrumental, or a choreographed group number, these students will blow you away,” said Ms Sjolander.
“They are some of Australia’s next big entertainers.”
Now in its 42nd year, the Schools Spectacular holds a Guinness World Record for the largest annual variety show, drawing in thousands of attendees and involving pupils from around 400 NSW public schools.
Executive producer Richard Spiewak said the production, in both spirit and scale, was a powerful reminder of what young people were capable of achieving.
“Remarkable things get your attention and this show certainly will,” he stated.
For more community stories:
- Young people tackle big issues at mock council meeting
- Benefits are natural for 30-year Landcare volunteers
- Dreams realised for Hunter scholarship recipients
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
