Michael Price
Michael is 18 years old, and currently in 6th form and has been acting since the age of 5 when he played Jack in the Langley First School production of Jack in the Beanstalk! When Michael moved to Monkseaton Middle School he played the part of Andrew Morton in "Gel" and followed on at Monkseaton High School to play Mr Bernstein in "Little Shop of Horrors" and Bosum Arras in "Return to the Forbidden Planet". In 2006 he played Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" which was a part he had wanted to play for years and considers a great achievement.
Starting his A-levels in 2007 Michael has performed a number of different roles. His first role was in Willy Russels "Blood Brothers" where he took the part of Micky. This was quite ironic as when Whitley Bay Theatre Company performed Blood Brothers in 2005 Michael had helped out backstage and then he went on to see the production on Broadway. Michael loved playing the part, especially liked learning the accent and this became his favorite role to date. Also for his A-levels Michael has played Stanley in "The Birthday Party" and Laurence in "Abigail's Party". In 2008 Michael played a Soldier in "Despair Came Knocking" which was an improvised half hour performance based on World War 1. This was a very emotional and well-thought out piece and he enjoyed researching his role as a soldier and felt great accomplishment knowing that he and his 2 fellow students had devised such a professional feeling production, taking care of all aspects such as set and costume as well as the acting side of things. Robin Herron helped and advised with the costumes.
Michael is planning on taking a year-out after his exams, hopefully in China,to teach English for a year. On his return he is hoping to be joining Liverpool Hope University - Creative and Performing Arts course, so that he can improve his all round knowledge and develop his writing and directing skills. Michael then plans on taking a PGCE - Post Graduate Certificate in Education - to qualify as a Drama teacher, and pursue a career within the 'arts'.
Michael has been involved with the Tynemouth Pageant for a number of years now. He played Reuben Mitchell in "Shipwreck! Beware the Black Middens" in 2005 which was a huge open air performance In the grounds of Tynemouth Priory and Castle. He worked alongside Fraire Armstrong and Robin Herron. Other productions he has been involved in for the Pageant include the "Jingling Geordie" and the recent production of "Tynemouth Tales".
The Kursal Club managed by Jeff Waites has seen Michael pass through its doors over the past few years. Michael has starred in "The Family Circle" playing the part of Fred and "Billy Liar" playing the part of Geoffrey Fisher.
Recently Michael helped backstage for the production of "Goldilocks" when Whitley Bay Pantomime Society performed their annual show at The Peoples Theatre. As well as looking forward to playing the part of Dennis Wicksteed in Whitley Bay Theatre Company's next production, Habeas Corpus, Michael is also playing the part of Les in Steven Berkoff's "East" on the 9th March 2009.