A TALENTED young performer from Maidenhead is preparing to take to the stage across the UK and Ireland after landing a role in a touring production of Mrs Doubtfire The Musical.
Ten-year-old Hattie, who has attended Stagecoach Performing Arts Maidenhead since she was four, has been cast as Natalie Hillard in the musical.
The role marks another milestone for the young performer, who has already appeared at London's Royal Opera House and in the musical Starlight Express.
Hattie's performing journey began in 2020 when she joined Stagecoach Maidenhead's Early Stages classes alongside her older brother, Max.
Already enthusiastic about singing, dancing and acting, she regularly created her own performances at home and quickly developed a love for her Friday evening classes.
At nine, Hattie began auditioning for West End productions and secured her first professional appearance in Semele at the Royal Opera House.
The production saw her perform in three scenes and take part in several costume changes.
In October 2025, she landed her first musical theatre contract, playing Control in Starlight Express.
After three weeks of rehearsals, she was singing, dancing and commentating in the production. Hattie enjoyed every moment of the experience and was sad to take her final bow when the show closed in May.
Before her last performance, she received more exciting news: she had been cast as Natalie Hillard in the UK and Ireland tour of Mrs Doubtfire The Musical, which was scheduled to begin in Birmingham in August.
Despite her growing professional experience, she has continued returning to Stagecoach whenever her schedule allows.
Stagecoach Maidenhead principal Fay Austin praised Hattie's dedication and achievements.
She said: "Hattie has been with us since she was four and has gone from strength to strength. She works hard every week and is always ready to step outside her comfort zone and try something new.
"She is a valued member of the Stagecoach Maidenhead family and a wonderful supporter of our younger students, encouraging them and setting an excellent example.
"We are incredibly proud of all she has achieved and excited to see where her journey takes her next.”
For Hattie, Stagecoach remains an important part of her life, providing friendships and a familiar place to return to between professional performances.
Stagecoach Performing Arts was founded in 1988 and continues to grow as the UK’s largest network of extra-curricular performing arts schools for children, with 60,000 students enrolled in weekly classes worldwide.
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