Young star Max lands the purr-fect West End role

It’s not every day a seven-year-old lands the chance to star alongside Sienna Miller and Jack O’Connell.

So little wonder Max Bloom feels “it was a dream come true” to land a part in the West End revival of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, which opens at the Apollo Theatre this week. Tennessee Williams’ play revolves around a Southern family in crisis.

Colm Meaney stars as patriarch and cotton plantation owner Big Daddy, with Miller as fiery daughter-in-law Maggie and O’Connell as his struggling son Brick.

Max, who lives with proud parents Darren and Janine in Finchley, has been cast as one of Big Daddy’s grandchildren for his West End debut.

Speaking this week to Jewish News, the former Akiva School student said: “I was so excited I started crying, laughing and jumping up and down all at the same time.

“I have always wanted to be in a West End performance so this was a dream come true.”

Max’s journey from schoolboy to stage star began at the age of three, after joining a drama class at Jigsaw Performing Arts School and discovering that acting was “something that comes naturally to me”. He adds: “I loved every minute of it.”

He now goes to New London Performing Arts School in Muswell Hill, where he has been busy learning drama, singing, ballet, tap dancing and street dancing.

Despite his hectic rehearsal and performance schedule, keeping up with schoolwork remains the number one priority.

“All the kids in our show know how important it is.  My parents and teachers are very supportive, but the rule is that I keep up with my school work as well.”

Referring to his character in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Max explains: “There are five of Mae Pollitt’s children altogether. Three girls and two boys.  My character is one of the cheeky and naughty boys!”

He is looking forward to the show’s opening night and says it will be “the best thing ever” to perform for an audience. “I’m looking forward to meeting my friends and family after the show when I walk out the stage door.”

As for the future, Max might only be seven, but is quite certain when asked if he would like to pursue a career in acting.  “Undoubtedly, most definitely, a huge yes!”

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof opened at the Apollo Theatre this week