#CheerUpCharlie: West End stars send touching messages to schoolboy bullied over his love of musicals

West End stars have rallied round to send messages of support to a nine-year-old boy who was being bullied at school for his love of musical theatre.

Charlie, from Reading, had allegedly been called “gay, fat and stupid” and was beaten up for liking the shows, according to his teacher.

Dozens of messages from big-name stars flooded in after his teacher, Jacqueline Hughes, posted about her pupil’s plight last week.

Layton Williams, who stars in Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, sent Charlie a touching message inviting him to a theatre workshop and inviting him to meet the cast.

Stars from other major productions including Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Book of Mormon and Rock of Ages all filmed messages for Charlie, under the #CheerUpCharlie hashtag, which began to trend online.

After receiving the messages, Ms Hughes posted a touching video of Charlie thanking everyone for the videos before singing Elton John’s hit I’m Still Standing.

Ms Hughes, who has also starred in West End shows, tweeted: “Industry friends I need a wee favour.

“Sadly a little boy I teach, Charlie, who is also a dear family friend is sadly being bullied at school for his love of MT, being called gay, fat, stupid....the list goes on.

“Today he was beaten up by 6 boys and left curled up, crying.

“I know many people face bullies everyday and many have in their lifetime.

“But I wondered if you wouldn’t mind, if you have time sending me a little video to cheer him up, maybe some advice, your own stories, how you didn’t let them stop you, what you are doing now.

“He would be so incredibly grateful and beside himself with adoration.”

The teacher later posted an emotional video clip, thanking everyone who had sent videos and said she was “completely overwhelmed with your kindness, generosity, your love for this little boy.”