Multi-talented pupil adds deserved police awards nomination to long list of successes

A multi-talented Nottingham High School pupil described as ‘a standout, born performer’ showcased his skills on stage after being shortlisted in our prestigious Nxt Gen Awards.

Henry Armstrong’s passion for music and drama started from a young age and he has since progressed into a wide range of performances both within and out of school.

Among his highlights last year was successfully auditioning for and performing the lead role of ‘Charlie’, alongside adult actors, in a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory put on by The Nottingham Operatic Society in October.

In July, Henry performed in several ‘put on a play in a week’ shows at the Nottingham Playhouse, including Skellig, and in May 2025 he successfully auditioned for the part of Gavroche in Nottingham Operatic Society’s production of Les Miserables at The Theatre Royal.

He also sang the vocal solo for Walking in the Air as part of Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra’s Fire and Ice Concert in February 2025.

Henry also does so much in school, both musically and in terms of acting, and has been a part of productions and concert events for several years now.

His love of performing combined with his strong work ethic were among the reasons why Emma Soulsby, Nottingham High School Director of Music, nominated Henry for our Youth Creative Excellence Award.

The award forms part of our prestigious Nxt Gen Awards which continue to celebrate and shine a light on the remarkable achievements of young people across the county.

Henry, who was selected as a finalist for our Youth Creative Excellence Award, was also among the impressive performers at our glittering awards ceremony held at force headquarters on Friday 8 May.

He said: “It was great to be nominated by my school for this award. I honestly can’t thank them enough for all the support they have given me throughout the years of me doing all my acting and music.

“I mostly enjoy seeing people being happy in the audience after watching the show that I’ve been in.

"My biggest inspiration has probably been my dad. Every show I’ve been in, he’s been in it too, and he’s given me lots of support.

“I’ve been given many opportunities within school to let out my inner musicality. I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved but none of it would have been possible without the encouragement, support, inspiration, and guidance of many amazing teachers.”

Mrs Soulsby said: “Henry is a born performer; he sings, acts, and dances with natural maturity and talent far beyond his 12 years. I am astounded by all he has achieved in the last 18 months.

“Some of his many highlights include the part of the shepherd boy in Puccini’s Tosca at The Albert Hall, Nottingham, for the Nottingham Philharmonic Orchestra in October 2024, performing alongside professional opera singers and completely holding his own.

“He sang the solo role in Nottingham Trent University’s performance of The Snowman at The Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, in December 2024, and in May 2025 Henry successfully auditioned for the part of Gavroche in Nottingham Operatic Society’s production of Les Miserables at The Theatre Royal in May 2025. He played the part with panache and empathy and lit up the stage.

“The Nottingham Operatic Society put on a production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory in October 2025 and again, Henry successfully auditioned and played the lead role of Charlie, alongside adult actors, this was a superb achievement.”

She added: “Henry loves performing. He is self-motivated and determined, as well as having a strong work ethic. All of this has made him successful and I am sure he could succeed in the musical theatre field in the future.

“He is also very academic. He loves learning and enjoys all his subjects. He is genuinely interested in finding things out and regularly goes the extra mile to research something he is particularly interested in.

"He is a very kind and thoughtful young man, who puts others first and is a delight to teach.”