Matilda Musical performer Regan Walker wins arts bursary
Australia’s next Hugh Jackman was one of 29 picked for the cast of Matilda in Sydney and now has his sights on Newsies in New York. Read how he plans to get there.
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Mackay’s talented triple threat performer Regan Walker is on track to be Australia’s next Hugh Jackman.
Mr Walker, 18, has been dancing, singing and acting since he was four years old and he is now determined to reach his ultimate career goal of getting to Broadway.
Enthusiasm was felt in every word Mr Walker used to describe his passion for performing.
“Obviously my main dream is getting to Broadway,” Mr Walker said.
“But I would also like to be in heaps and heaps of musicals, cabaret shows and also do some teaching.”
He said his role in Matilda the Musical in 2015 was his career highlight so far.
“When I was 14 I played the role of Nigel in Matilda,” Mr Walker said.
“I lived in Sydney for 10 months, performing two to three nights a week.
“Thousands of people auditioned for roles in the production and there was only 29 people who made it to the cast.”
Mr Walker was just one of 10 males across Australia who was accepted into the Victorian College of Arts, studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre.
Mr Walker’s smile spoke volumes when he described his dream of playing a role in Disney’s Newsies musical one day.
“I would like to play one of the ensemble members in Newsies, which is a big male dance group,” he said.
“It is based on a real-life Newsboys Strike.
“It is a heavily packed dance.
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson awarded Mr Walker with the MECC’s $1000 Jack Sturgeon Bursary for 2022.
“I think I first saw Regan when he was very young,” Mr Williamson said.
“You (Regan) have racked up an impressive resume of onstage performances here in Mackay and have been doing it for a very long time.
“Congratulations on your award.”
Mackay woman has her eyes set on the big screen
Georgia Farlow is determined to achieve her goal of working in the film industry.
The Mackay resident warmly described the power of films as “inspiring the impossible”.
“I hope to one day make it to the big screen and see my name up in the credits, just knowing I was able to be a part of something big and hopefully help to inspire others to think of the impossible,” Miss Farlow said.
She said her love for films began at a young age.
“I remember when I was quite little I was always just fascinated by films to the point my parents had to get me my own television,” Miss Farlow said.
“I have just always loved films, being able to create stories and bring them to life on screen.”
Miss Farlow said playing a role in the Star Wars franchise would be on the top of her dream career list.
“I feel like Star Wars has always been a big thing for my family for as long as I can remember,” Miss Farlow said.
“So being able to work on a project like the original Star Wars films would be such an honour.”
Miss Farlow was awarded Artspace Mackay’s $1000 Rick Wood bursary for 2022.
“I’m honoured to receive it,” she said.
She has been accepted into Griffith University’s Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production in 2022.
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