Schoolboy has role in new Wicked film

A fifteen-year-old boy named Arlo Turner is making waves in the film industry with his role in the new movie adaptation of Wicked. This is Arlo's second film, but it marks his first opportunity to have a speaking part. Hailing from Great Witley in Worcestershire, Arlo plays a character known as a 'Munchkinland kid' and delivers the film's opening line: 'Good news - the witch is dead! ' Currently a year 11 student at Chantry School in Martley, Arlo previously appeared in a non-speaking role in the recent adaptation of Matilda. He auditioned for Wicked in July 2022 and had to wait eight long months to find out that he had landed the role. Arlo has always had a passion for the performing arts. He began his journey at the Beat Breakerz dance school in Worcester and now attends the Shaun Paul Smith Dance Academy in Redditch. His mother, Charlotte, recalls how he would dance alongside street performers when he was younger. She has always emphasized the importance of humility and kindness in his life. 'When he was auditioning, we talked about how important dance was but also how you conduct yourself,' she explained. 'You are one of many and you are part of a team, and Arlo just exudes that through and through. ' Arlo is dedicated to balancing his dance training with his academic responsibilities at Chantry School. The support from his family and friends has been invaluable to Arlo, and he is especially grateful for the opportunity to meet Ariana Grande on set. He described her as 'so nice' and shared that they had a conversation. 'I was a bit starstruck, but at the end of the day you see she’s just another person there and everybody’s just doing their job,' he said. They discussed the importance of enjoying childhood and not rushing to grow up too quickly. Arlo understands that while being in the film industry is thrilling, it is essential to cherish the moments of youth. Wicked is currently in cinemas, and audiences are eager to see this exciting new adaptation.