Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 8:00am

Email the studio

Orange Juice

Rip It Up

Listen Live

Talented Ripon youngster to star in Goodnight Mr Tom

Friday, 27 June 2025 10:10

13-year-old Ewan Donaldson will star in Goodnight Mr Tom at Harrogate Theatre.

A talented young actor from Ripon has won a major role in a production of Goodnight Mr Tom.

Ewan Donaldson, from Galphay, plays Zach in the stage play based on the children’s novel of the same name which opens in October at Harrogate Theatre.

For the 13-year-old, who first took up acting when he was four years old and hopes to study performing arts after RGS, it will be his first time performing on stage with adults.

He enjoyed the rigorous Harrogate Dramatic Society production audition process, which involved an initial workshop with singing, dancing and acting, followed by group work acting scenes and solo singing.

Ewan was delighted to win the comedic role of Zach, a young evacuee from London known for his outgoing personality, love of theatre and dramatic flair.

The teenager has attended Upstage Academy School of Performance in Ripon for five years and recently joined Damien Poole Theatre Arts in Harrogate.

He said:

“I love performing on stage.”

Previous roles include High School Musical, Hairspray and Grease.

He also played Jack in Into the Woods and sang his first solo, Giants in the Sky, at Harrogate Theatre, which he called “exhilarating.”

In July, Ewan joins other Ripon Grammar students in an Upstage Academy production of School of Rock.

He eventually plans to pursue an acting career:

“I am looking for opportunities to challenge myself and develop my performing skills, also in TV and film.”

Goodnight Mr Tom runs at Harrogate Theatre from 16th until 18th October. Find out more here.

More from Local News

Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term

A number of fairground rides are setting up at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens in time for half term.
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate

Six teenage boys have been arrested following a 'violent incident' in Harrogate as police urge parents to keep tabs on their children during the half-term break.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a hit-and-run collision on the High Street at Knaresborough.
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder

Harrogate Town have announced their first signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson on a permanent contract.
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel

Yet another Harrogate resident has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage

A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership

A historic village pub near Boroughbridge has reopened following a major refurbishment and a change in ownership.
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library

Masham CE Primary School has officially opened of its newly refurbished library.
No motorists turned away from Harrogate waste centres due to rule change

No motorists have been turned away from North Yorkshire’s household waste centres following the introduction of a rule change, councillors have been told amid ongoing fears about fly-tipping.
RHS Harlow Carr to host Summer Garden Weekend

Gardeners and plant lovers are being invited to RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate for its Summer Garden Weekend next month.
First look inside Furlong and Furrow ahead of reopening

New photos have revealed the transformed interiors of Furlong and Furrow near Ripon ahead of its reopening tomorrow (Friday).
Harrogate man and colleagues tackle Three Peaks in memory of his mum

A Harrogate man is taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of his mum after she sadly lost her battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis last year.
Harrogate care organisation raises £500 at Nidderdale Walk

Carefound Home Care in Harrogate has raised £515 for Harrogate and District Community Action (HADCA) after completing the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run.
Mayor urged to "come to the table" to discuss road repair funding

North Yorkshire councillors have urged the region’s mayor to "come to the table" to discuss their authority's allocation of road repair funding.
Monthly IT support clinic for elderly people launched in Harrogate

A new monthly IT support clinic aimed at helping elderly and vulnerable people with technology issues is launching in Harrogate next month.
Harrogate College celebrates milestone as new campus takes shape

Harrogate College has marked a significant milestone in the development of its new £22m campus with a steel-signing ceremony.
Children are taking over the Leeds station tannoy this weekend – here's why

Visitors to Leeds train station will notice something a little different this weekend, as children from Martin House Children's Hospice take over the tannoy.
Vernon Kay joins lineup for Harrogate's Symphonic Ibiza event

Vernon Kay has been announced as a major new addition to the lineup for this summer's Symphonic Ibiza event at the Great Yorkshire Showground in Harrogate.