Retford boy gutted after Tiny Tim role in West End show ended by London’s Tier 3 lockdown

Will Barker, who has been singing ‘since he said his first words’ and played Tiny Tim in the production - appeared alongside comedian and TV actor Brian Conley as Scrooge and Busted’s Matt Willis as Bob Cratchit.

‘Disappointed’ Will had been due to perform in the show all the way through Christmas – up until January 2 – however as the capital enters Tier 3 lockdown his fourth and final show will be tonight (Tuesday).

Gutted mum Lisa Hartley-Barker – who has been in London with Will and the rest of his family since rehearsals began in November – said she was ‘disappointed but grateful for the opportunity we’ve had’.

She said: “Will's a bit sad and upset because he doesn’t really understand about Coronavirus but he’s thankful for the opportunity he’s had – he’s had the time of his life.

"It’s a shame because he would have have had another two weeks but he gained a lot of experience during two weeks of rehearsals.”

In Dickens’ classic tale Tiny Tim is the sickly son of Bob Cratchit - one of main character Ebenezer Scrooge’s employees who struggles on miserly wages.

Top-notch songster Will landed the part after wowing judges with a song and lines from the show during a Zoom audition.

Will and family temporarily relocated in London when rehearsals began in November – with plans to remain there until the production ended in January.

Mum Lisa said: “He found it quite easy and just got on with it - he really enjoyed learning the song and was loving it.

“I never dreamed he’d end up in the West End at seven.”

However Lisa, 46, added: “I don’t think he realises exactly how big this part was - he just gets on with things.”

Mum-of-three Lisa told how on opening night the young thespian was cheered by the crowd as he appeared alongside comedian and TV actor Brian Conley who plays Scrooge.

Conley has starred in various West End shows - as well as being a contestant in I’m a Celebrity and Strictly Come Dancing.

She said: “It was brilliant. Will loves Brian - he says he’s really funny.”

Speaking about seeing a show after Covid-19 restrictions made it impossible for so long she said: “Everyone was just so excited about being back in the theatre - it was a different experience with the social distancing but for people who’ve missed seeing shows it was a big thing.”

Will has been performing since he was two-and-and-a-half years old.

Lisa said: “It’s just something he was always natural to - but our whole family is musical.

“We’re not really expecting it to lead to anything else - when you go for the auditions you don’t think much about it so we were excited when he got the part.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.