Fourth Former Aryan Sohanpal made his television debut on Monday 21 November when he starred in the BBC’s children’s drama Princess Mirror Belle.
Aryan has always had a natural talent for drama and acting since his first lesson with Mrs Keane in Year 3 of the Prep School. Just one year later, he went on to be awarded Best Actor for House Drama whilst only in Year 4 (making him the youngest recipient to date). The following year he was invited to deliver a solo performance of The Listeners in the House Drama competition, for which he received excellent feedback and recognition.
Last year Aryan performed in the Bedfordshire Gala under Mrs Lesley-Greens’ tutelage and was awarded the outright winner taking home the prestigious Lousada Woodfine Cup for his performance of Empty Chairs (Les Misérables).
It is not just acting for which Aryan has an aptitude. He is also a very naturally gifted musician, playing piano at Grade 8 level, singing at Grade 8 and, more recently, he has learned to play the Saxophone, which he plays at Grade 5.
It was the confidence gained from opportunities such as these, which led him to audition for School of Rock, where he was selected from hundreds of children for his exceptional skill on the piano. Unfortunately, the pandemic meant that the show would not run, but Aryan clearly made an impression on the casting director who later invited Aryan to play the role of Toby in Princess Mirror Belle.
Filming took place in Manchester in May where Aryan spent exciting week acting on a set, taking direction from Spencer Campbell (Cold Feet) and Samuel Benta (ex-Power Ranger), whilst being treated like a star with his own trailer and chaperone. An amazing experience for a then 12-year-old!
You can watch Aryan on BBC iPlayer: Princess Mirror Belle, Episode 3: The Flying Horse.