Shy Boy's Drama Classes Lead to Hollywood Stardom

An 11-year-old performer has transitioned from shyness-inducing drama classes to a role in a major upcoming film. James Lintern, a student at Stagecoach Performing Arts in Gloucester, was put forward by staff for consideration by the filmmakers of 'Hamnet'. This film, adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's novel, delves into the personal life of William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, particularly in the wake of their son Hamnet's passing.

James was cast as a friend of Agnes and a student of Shakespeare, delivering two lines entirely in Latin. He described the experience of being on set and working with stars like Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as "really cool," highlighting the camaraderie and the chance to see the film's production firsthand. His father, Nathan, shared that enrolling James in drama was initially intended to boost his confidence due to his shy nature.

Nathan Lintern recalled the unexpected call for photos and the subsequent invitation to film studios, admitting that the family never envisioned such a remarkable outcome when James began his drama lessons. James, while still shy, noted his increased confidence and enjoyed the wrap party, which allowed him to reconnect with friends made during the project and witness the film's lighter moments.