A young Croydon actor who starred alongside a stage legend has won a major theatre awards' first-ever children's prize.
Trinity student Anton Vehring, aged 11, secured the inaugural WhatsOnStage Award for Best Child Performance on March 8, for his portrayal of Young Thomas in the National Theatre’s production of Land of the Living.
In his debut role last autumn, Anton alternated his part with three other young actors.
In this compelling production directed by Stephen Daldry, Anton acted alongside Juliet Stevenson CBE, with an intricately demanding role that saw him speaking in Bavarian and Polish, and singing in German.
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The quartet received the Best Child Performance award—created by Go Live Theatre to acknowledge exceptional young talent on professional stages across the nation—on Sunday.
Anton faced stiff competition from a vibrant field of young performers originating from the West End and various productions spanning the UK, encompassing names from Paddington the Bear (Savoy Theatre) and 13 going on 30 (Manchester Opera House) among others.
Anton said: “I feel very honoured to win the award, there were amazing people nominated and I was shocked to win.
"The whole experience of being in Land of the Living was brilliant, the cast felt like a family, and we all became great friends. Everyone treated me so kindly and I learned that the most important thing is to have fun.”
Lucy Robinson, the director of drama at Trinity, said: “For Anton and the other young Land of the Living actors to be recognised in this inaugural children's award is hugely exciting.
"It is a reflection of the efforts they all put into learning the languages and developing Thomas' character to wow audiences at the National Theatre. I know Anton thoroughly enjoyed the rehearsal and performance experience, so for it to be recognised with an award is the cherry on top!"
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