Meet the Lanny boys

9 Oct 2026
Atlas and Lucian in rehearsals for Lanny | photo Helen Murray

A few months ago we put out an open call to find two boys from Bristol to take on the role of playing Lanny on stage for our 260th anniversary production. It was a tricky task with so many amazing young actors, but two boys really stood out.

Neither of them have performed in a professional production before but we're pretty sure this won't be the last time you see them on stage. 

We managed to catch them between rehearsals to find out how their nerves are holding up ahead of opening night, and also to get the answers to some other very important questions!

Atlas Johnson-Dutfield

  • What are you most looking forward to about the show?

I am looking forward to mostly the experience of working with the team and feeling  we are getting better and better. I will love it when we actually perform in front of an audience.

  • When did you first decide you loved acting?

When I was in Year 2 – three years ago, I went to a drama club and loved that I could feel like I was this character I was playing. 

Lanny rehearsals | photo by Helen Murray

  • Would you prefer a walk in the woods or a walk on the beach?

Definitely a walk in the woods, I really like Goblin Coombe, you can makes dens, climb trees and play hide and seek with friends. I like swimming but don’t like getting sand in my hair and you can still swim in rivers in the woods like I do with my dad.  

  • Lanny loves drawing; do you have a hidden talent?

I love drawing anime, I have a real passion for it as it looks really cool, also acting and football – and I support Tottenham.

  • If you could be in any film, what would it be?

A One Piece live action film, its so exciting and loads of action, I'd love to be Zorro, hes really strong with a really cool hair colour.  

  • What did your friends say when you told them you were starring in a show at the Bristol Old Vic?

They were like…”what? OMG, Wow, what role are you !?!" They all would love to come but it’s a bit old for them. 

Lucian Thomas

  • What are you most looking forward to about the show?

I am looking forward to enjoying the experience of being with the cast and working with them and seeing how they get on.

  • When did you first decide you loved acting?

Earlier this year – about the Spring.

  • Would you prefer a walk in the woods or a walk on the beach?

I would prefer a walk in the woods.  I like Leigh Woods, and the woods in Eastwood Farm.

Lanny rehearsals | photo Helen Murray


  • Lanny loves drawing; do you have a hidden talent?

Drawing, acting and gaming.

  •  If you could be in any film, what would it be?

That’s not easy! It might have to be a film of a TV cartoon called One Piece.  And I want to play Momonosuke who turns into a dragon.

  • What did your friends say when you told them you were starring in a show at the Bristol Old Vic?

They freaked out and said how did you get that?!

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