At just sixteen, Maddison Thew has already built a performance career that many aspiring artists dream of, with roles in the West End and major regional productions.
One of her most recent credits is as a ‘Super Swing’ in Manchester Opera House’s production of hit original musical 13 Going On 30 – a feat which required her to learn all of the child roles in the show and be ready to go on stage in any one of them when needed.
Maddison, 17, from Accrington, is currently studying A Level Drama & Theatre Studies and BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in Dance, as well as an elite vocational diploma in ballet with MiBE (Mentors in Ballet Education).
MIBE is one of the UK’s most prestigious ballet institutions and was formerly based at the now closed Moorland International Private School. It is now based at Burnley College, bringing elite-level dance training to a new generation of performers.
Maddison’s tireless work ethic is driven first and foremost by a deep-rooted love of her craft, which she says has always been with her:
“I started performing almost as soon as I could walk, beginning with Baby Ballet when I was about 18 months old. My mum had experience in theatre and always wanted to go into it full-time as a career, so performing has really been a way of life for my family.
“When I’m on stage, I don’t think about anything else; I just do it. That’s the best thing about performing – you can just let go and feel the moment.
“When everyone stands up for an ovation at the end, you think, ‘This is why I do it.’ It’s the most rewarding feeling.”
Impressively, Maddison has been working professionally in the industry from a young age – although doing so hasn’t been without its challenges. She reflected:
“I landed the part of Jane Banks in Mary Poppins in 2019. It was a dream come true.
“Then, just before our dress rehearsal, COVID stopped everything. One day it was all happening, and the next, it just ended. We never went back.
“Thankfully, I eventually managed to get another audition for Mary Poppins. I was cast as Jane again, this time for the West End run.
“I also got to perform at West End Live in Trafalgar Square, which was an incredible experience.”
Maddison is not only supremely talented but also inspiringly resilient. She shared:
“I’ve also had to face some personal challenges. I have scoliosis, and if I were to get the recommended operation, I wouldn’t be able to dance for a whole year.
“It really affected me when I was smaller; I completely lost my ability to balance and had to learn how to dance all over again.
“It takes a lot of work, but you just have to push through it. That’s why musical theatre feels like the right path for me – any stress doesn’t show on stage.
“I can channel my emotions into the characters I’m playing, which is really freeing.”
Maddison is making the most of the unrivalled teaching, exceptional facilities and incredible industry connections offered at Burnley College and has big plans for her future.
She says:
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to see what new opportunities come my way.
“I’m still deciding which route I’d like to take with my career. I can see myself training at a leading conservatoire such as ArtsEd or the Guildford School of Acting (GSA) or jumping straight into auditioning for professional roles again.
“To work with an internationally renowned dance company such as Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures would equally be an absolute dream.”
