A Theatre, a Stage, and a Star
In the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, the old Lyric Theatre stood as a faded relic of the city’s cultural past. Once a vibrant hub for plays and concerts, by 2025 it was a crumbling shell, its marquee rusted and its seats gathering dust. For Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly—the beloved TV duo known as Ant and Dec—the theatre held memories of school trips and first tastes of performance. When they learned it faced demolition, they acted swiftly, purchasing the Lyric for £950,000. The town buzzed with speculation: a TV studio? A music venue? What came next left everyone in awe.
At a community gathering in July 2025, Ant and Dec unveiled their vision: the Lyric would be reborn as the Lyric Performing Arts Academy, a free school for disadvantaged youngsters aged 11 to 18, offering training in acting, dance, music, and stagecraft. With scholarships for promising talent, the academy aimed to nurture dreams for kids who couldn’t afford such opportunities. “This is where we found our spark,” Dec said, his voice warm with nostalgia. “We want every kid in Newcastle to have that chance.” Ant added, “No fees, no barriers—just talent and heart.”
The transformation was breathtaking. The theatre’s faded grandeur was restored: a polished stage, modern rehearsal rooms, and accessible facilities for all. Funded by Ant and Dec’s foundation, the academy hired top instructors—West End veterans, local musicians, and drama coaches—who volunteered to teach. The school opened its doors to 100 students, selected based on passion, not privilege. Word spread, and families from Newcastle’s toughest neighborhoods enrolled their kids, hoping for a brighter future.
Among the first students was 15-year-old Zara Khan, a shy girl from a council estate. Raised by her single father, Amir, a bus driver, Zara loved singing but hid her voice, too nervous to perform even for friends. At school, she’d hum quietly, her talent unnoticed until a teacher overheard her and urged her to audition for the Lyric. Zara, trembling, sang a soft rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the tryouts. Ant and Dec, present for the auditions, were floored. “That’s the voice of a star,” Ant whispered to Dec, who nodded, tears in his eyes.
Zara was accepted with a full scholarship, but her shyness held her back. In classes, she hovered at the edges, her voice barely audible. Her mentor, Ms. Ellie, a former West End singer, saw potential but knew Zara needed confidence. Ant and Dec, who made weekly visits to the academy, noticed her too. During a workshop, Dec sat beside her, strumming a guitar. “You’ve got magic in you, Zara,” he said. “Let it out.” Ant, ever the jokester, staged an impromptu skit, coaxing Zara to join. Her hesitant giggle turned into a duet, her voice soaring, surprising even herself.
The academy’s first showcase, a musical revue, was set for December. Zara was cast in a solo, but stage fright loomed. On the night of the performance, the Lyric’s restored auditorium glowed, packed with families, locals, and even a few celebrities. Zara, backstage, clutched her script, panic rising. Ant and Dec found her, offering a pep talk. “You’re not just singing for you,” Dec said. “You’re singing for every kid like you.” Ant grinned, “And we’re your biggest fans.”
When Zara stepped onto the stage, the spotlight felt blinding. But as the piano began, she closed her eyes, picturing her dad’s proud smile. Her voice, clear and powerful, filled the theatre with “Defying Gravity,” each note a triumph over her fear. The audience leapt to their feet, cheering, as Amir wept in the front row. Ant and Dec, watching from the wings, hugged each other, their eyes misty. Zara’s performance wasn’t just a song—it was a breakthrough, a shy girl claiming her place as a star.
The moment went viral. A clip of Zara’s performance, posted on X with #LyricStar, racked up millions of views. Fans praised Ant and Dec’s vision, sharing stories of their own dreams sparked by the arts. The academy received a flood of donations, allowing it to expand scholarships and add filmmaking classes. Zara’s story inspired other students, who formed a tight-knit community, supporting each other’s growth.
Ant and Dec didn’t stop at the Lyric. Their “Stage for All” campaign, launched alongside the academy, aimed to fund arts programs in underserved UK schools. Volunteers and donors rallied, and celebrities like Olivia Colman and Stormzy joined, hosting workshops and mentoring students. The Lyric became a beacon, drawing talent scouts who offered Zara a chance to audition for a London musical. She landed a role, her journey from council estate to stage a testament to the academy’s mission.
Zara’s confidence grew. She mentored younger students, teaching them to find their voices. Amir, overwhelmed by her success, volunteered at the academy, helping with set design. The Newcastle community, initially stunned by the theatre’s purchase, embraced the Lyric as a symbol of hope. Families attended free performances, and local businesses sponsored scholarships, ensuring the academy’s future.
For Ant and Dec, the Lyric was their legacy, a place where kids like Zara could shine. At a gala marking the academy’s first year, they watched Zara perform again, her voice now bold and assured. “This is why we did it,” Ant said, his voice thick. Dec nodded, “For every Zara out there.” The town, united by the theatre’s rebirth, celebrated a shy girl’s triumph—a star born from a stage that two boys from Newcastle never forgot.
