A talented teenager from Buron Joyce is taking to the stage as part of a major production later this year.
13-year-old Freddie Vokes is an accomplished young pianist and harpist from Burton Joyce.
It’s been an amazing couple of weeks for Freddie, during which he has not only become the youth Mayor of Gedling, but has also been awarded the lead child role of Jeremy in the upcoming Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal in October (25 – 28).
Freddie is already training in the West End having won a scholarship and travels to London every Sunday to spend up to six hours with West End professionals.
Freddie’s mother Sarah said: “I am so happy that a boy that does so much for charity and other people finally gets to live his dream!”
The teenager also currently has an annual scholarship to the Pixie Lott Performing Arts Academy.
Freddie said: “My dream of being in a professional musical theatre production has finally come true!
“I couldn’t have done it without the continued support from the local council (Gedling Borough Council) as well as my amazing London scholarship from MX Masterclass and all the amazing teachers along the way that have helped me to get where I am today”
Freddie’s list of accomplishments continues to grow, a few of which are listed below:
The Burton Joyce teenager has appeared in the video ‘Mixed Emotions’ by English rock band You Me at Six, available here.
Freddie is in the RAF cadets and he was selected to be involved in the RAF band camp and then put on a performance at RAF Cranwell on April 7.
He will be performing again on August 19 in Lincoln Cathedral.
Freddie is also having a documentary made about him in regards to being a male harpist and having dyspraxia.
Last March (2022), Freddie was shocked to see the scenes unfolding in Ukraine and decided to take action. He started arranging live streaming concerts and raised over £1000 towards the Ukraine appeal. As a result of this charity work, he was awarded the 2022 Young Achiever Award at the Pride of Gedling Awards, sponsored by Gedling Eye & This is Gedling sponsored.
Following the Pride of Gedling Awards Freddie joined the Gedling Borough Youth Council and is now the youth Mayor of Gedling.
Freddie has recently professionally recorded his own music, written by himself to highlight mental health. In doing so he recorded with Stuart Epps who has worked closely with the likes of Elton John, Oasis and Led Zeppelin during an amazing career.
Freddie’s latest fundraiser is for the Teenage Cancer Trust and has a Just Giving page set up – you can access this by searching for ‘Freddie Vokes’ on https://www.justgiving.com/
For those who would like to see Freddie live at the theatre Royal, tickets and further details regarding the show can be accessed HERE
