A couple living on the other side of the world say they were thrilled to see a story on LichfieldLive about their grandson.
Irene and Michael Woods spotted the story about grandson Lewis McLaren appearing in Lichfield Operatic Society’s production of Whistle Down the Wind.
They sent a comment saying: “As grandparents, living ‘down-under’, it was wonderful to be able to read/view all information about the musical Whistle Down the Wind.
“Our much loved/missed grandson Lewis McLaren, is playing the part of Poor Baby.
“We shall be flying in for the final performance on November 16, happy, proud, and very excited to be with family on this occasion.”
Unfortunately, Michael now can’t come due to work commitments, but grandma will be coming.
The couple went out to Perth, Australia, in 1995 for a three-month employment contract, which was extended and they then took the decision to stay.
Lewis’ Mum, Lisa, said: “Since Lewis was around three-years-old, Granny has been sent many YouTube clips and videos of him ‘performing’ songs and dance routines, which has included DVDs of him in various productions.
“Granny was unable to see Lewis in Oliver! at the Birmingham Hippodrome last year, so is incredibly proud and excited that she can now see Lewis in action for real for the first time in Whistle Down the Wind.”
It will be quite a Lewis family and friends get-together.
Grandfather Michael has work colleagues in Perth, who have family in Lichfield, and they decided to purchase Whistle tickets as a Christmas gift for their family.
Lewis’ cousins are also travelling from Norwich especially for the final performance of the show.
Whistle Down the Wind tells the story of a group of children who discover a convict in a barn and think he’s Jesus Christ.
Lewis plays the brother of Swallow, the leader of the gang, a role played by Hayley Mills in the well-known film.
A St Michael’s Primary School pupil, Lewis has been attending Theatrics Stage School for five years and in 2012 performed in the Cameron Mackintosh production of Oliver! at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
Lewis is learning to play the guitar and enjoys rugby, swimming and gymnastics.
When he’s older, Lewis says he’d like to be a guitar-playing vet, who performs in shows and plays rugby at the weekends.
Whistle Down the Wind will run at the Lichfield Garrick from November 12 to 16 at 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets for the evening performances are £17 – matinee £13 – and are available from the Lichfield Garrick box office on 01543 412121 or online at www.lichfieldgarrick.com.
