Whitworth teen lands starring role in Nativity the Musical

Saturday, 4 October 2025 10:55

By Catherine Smyth / David Murphy

Whitworth Community High School student Victoria Evans performs in her fifth HeyKids production – Nativity the Musical.

A Whitworth schoolgirl is preparing to take centre stage in HeyKids’ upcoming production of Nativity the Musical at Middleton Arena.

Victoria Evans, 14, has been dancing since the age of five and is now stepping into the role of lead dancer for Oakmoor, the ‘posh school’, in the hit festive production.

The Year 10 pupil at Whitworth Community High School has been part of the Heywood-based youth theatre group since she was eight, performing in Bugsy Malone, Oliver Twist, High School Musical and Footloose.

She also trains with RFDance in Shaw and has spent the past six months preparing for Nativity the Musical.

Victoria said: “On Mondays and Wednesdays we rehearse from 7pm to 9pm, and for the last two months we’ve added Sundays from 3pm to 6pm. We’ve got a really big cast and one of the members even travels 45 minutes just to take part.”

The cast are also planning a surprise flash mob performance at Middleton Shopping Centre to promote the show, bursting into song and dance in front of shoppers.

Looking to the future, Victoria hopes to continue her training after school. “After GCSEs I want to go to Manchester College to do theatre and dance,” she said. “I’d also love to join Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society when I’m older.”

Nativity the Musical will be staged at Middleton Arena from 7–11 October.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Legal challenge over Greater Manchester loss of green belt land set to be heard in high court

A legal challenge claiming the loss of green belt land in a regional masterplan is not necessary for growth is to be heard this week.
County Lines suspects arrested after Rochdale police seize £200,000 in drugs and £20,000 in cash

A manhunt, vehicle chase and property search have led to a major drugs bust in Rochdale, with class A and class B drugs worth £200,000 taken off the streets.
Terror investigation continues after attack outside Heaton Park synagogue

Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) says its investigation into the terrorist attack outside Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue on Thursday is “continuing at pace.”
Manchester’s Jewish community stands defiant at cathedral protest after Crumpsall terror attack

Members of Greater Manchester’s Jewish community have gathered outside Manchester Cathedral this morning in a powerful show of unity and defiance, just days after a terror attack targeted a synagogue in Crumpsall.
Nans, storms and one too many gooch jokes as Rochdale’s first comedy festival is a hit in Middleton

Middleton’s Engine House plays host to a night of belly laughs during Rochdale’s Town of Culture year.
Crackdown continues after synagogue terror attack in Crumpsall

Six held as counter-terror police probe 'appalling' act outside Manchester synagogue
Mayor of Bury invites children to design his official Christmas card for 2025

Budding young artists across Bury have been invited to take part in a festive tradition by designing the official Christmas card for the town’s mayor, Councillor Noel Bayley.
Cardinal Langley up for top North West sport award

Cardinal Langley RC High School has been shortlisted for an Educate Award for its commitment to school sport and running events across Rochdale.
Increased patrols remain as GMP responds to Greater Manchester public

Police have stepped up high visibility patrols across Greater Manchester this week, with officers focusing on Jewish communities and busy public events.
Cllr Russell Bernstein: “We need to make sure that evil does not win”

A councillor has warned Manchester’s Jewish community is living in fear after an attack on a holy day and urged government ministers to take decisive action against anti-Semitism.
Six arrested as counter terror police widen investigation into Crumpsall synagogue attack

Counter Terrorism Policing has confirmed that six people have now been arrested following a terrorist attack outside a synagogue in Crumpsall, Manchester, with detectives seeking extended detention warrants as the investigation continues.
Pro-Palestine demonstrators say planned march WILL go ahead this weekend

Pro-Palestine demonstrations will go ahead in Manchester this weekend, according to organisers.