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Jake Pratt
Jake Pratt
Jake Pratt
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Jake Stephen Pratt (born 25 September 1996) is an English actor. He entered the public eye when he appeared on the first series of the ITV1 television show Britain's Got Talent in June 2007 where he reached the semi-finals, and lost a place in the grand final.[1] He has since appeared in the British children's television programme, Green Balloon Club, and also worked as a voice-over artist. He starred as Alfie in the BBC comedy film Nativity!, which was released on 27 November 2009.[2]

Key Information

Pratt's debut in the West End was in Billy Elliot the Musical, where he played the role of Michael from 1 June 2009 to 28 August 2010.[3][4][5] A year later, Pratt played the part of Nigel Hicks in the Stratford production of Matilda the Musical, and Tommy in the West End production.

In 2017, Pratt became a voice artist of the various animals in the CBBC mockumentary The Zoo.

Early life

[edit]

Pratt was born on 25 September 1996 in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. He has been attending the Sylvia Young Theatre School since his appearance on Britain's Got Talent.[2] He previously attended YMCA Scarborough, and the Scarborough Dance Centre.[6][7]

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Pratt won the Park Resorts National Finals for the 11 & Under Section for three years in a row.[8]

Before Britain's Got Talent, Pratt appeared at BBC Radio York's stand-up comedy event, More Front Than Scarborough, on 11 March 2007. He impressed the judges with his jokes, coming in at second place to Karen Tite.[8]

Pratt has also appeared on The Paul O'Grady Show.[8]

2007: Britain's Got Talent

[edit]

Pratt, at the age of 10, was a contestant on the first series of the ITV television talent show Britain's Got Talent.[9] In his audition, which took place at the Manchester auditions at the Apollo Theatre in March 2007, and was televised on 9 June 2007,[10] he performed a stand-up comedy routine and at the end sang a part of the song "Life is a Cabaret" by Liza Minnelli. His performance received positive comments from all three judges, from Piers Morgan's "You've got brilliant, distinctive comic timing", to Amanda Holden's "You're a real star in the making, real showman, great confidence, you were fantastic", with the exception of Simon Cowell, saying, "I think you're funnier than Peter Kay"; he added that the singing was terrible but the comedy was fantastic.[11] He was placed into the next round, after receiving three yeses from the judges. However, on the day the judges were to choose the 24 semi-finalists for the live semi-finals, on 10 May 2007, at first the judges decided not to put Pratt through. The following day, after two acts were disqualified, the judges decided to put Pratt and a beatboxing group called Crew 82, the two acts they previously rejected, through to the live semi-finals.

In the live semi-final, on 15 June 2007, he performed again a stand-up comedy routine, and sang the chorus of "There's No Business Like Show Business", where this time Cowell buzzed. He told Pratt he should have stuck to telling jokes, so did Holden, who said he should "ditch" the singing at the end, but Morgan decided that he should carry on singing. Cowell asked him why he sang, and he replied "'Cos the producers said I should'". Cowell considered firing the producer, but instead gave him a "done" to finish off. He also said that if he made it to the final, he would improve the singing. He failed to get through to the final and was eliminated from the competition.

2007–present: Post-Talent

[edit]

Pratt has also performed at the fair in Braeburn House, an old people's home in Moor Lane, Eastfield, alongside Bessie Cursons, who reached the final of the talent show, but lost to Paul Potts.[12] Pratt also entered a talent show called Beeon.tv at the end of 2007. He performed a variety of talents – poetry, singing, jokes etc.[citation needed] Pratt appeared on Lori Kellett's fundraising show Lori's One Night Only at the Spa Theatre on 24 June 2007.[13]

Pratt's first major acting role was as nature reporter Jay in the CBeebies television series Green Balloon Club about the environment. Pratt presented segments about birds. The show began in June 2008 and finished in May 2009. Pratt also sang several songs for the show, along with the cast.[2][14][15]

In the summer of 2008, Pratt worked on a film called Nativity! alongside Martin Freeman and Ashley Jensen, playing the role of Alfie. It was released on 27 November 2009.[2]

Pratt has also been commended by the Mayor of Scarborough, Janet Jefferson, for his success on Britain's Got Talent.[16] He has also been appearing in cabaret shows organised by his theatre school.[2] He has also opened the mayor of Scarborough's summer fair in 2007, with Sir Jimmy Savile. Money raised went towards local charities.[17]

Pratt also provided the voices of several cartoon characters. He voices one of the main characters in a cartoon based on the Wibbly Pig books by Mick Inkpen on CBeebies where he is the narrator, which started on 7 September 2009. For the cartoon Fun with Claude, broadcast on the channel Playhouse Disney, he provided the voice for grizzly bear Boris. He was also the first voice of Darwin Watterson, from the Cartoon Network show The Amazing World of Gumball. He voiced the character in the 2008 early reel and was replaced in the main series by Kwesi Boakye and Terrell Ransom Jr.[2]

The Scarborough Evening News on 5 June 2009 reported that Pratt had joined the cast of Billy Elliot the Musical. On 1 June 2009 he made his West End debut, taking the role of Billy's best friend, Michael. Pratt did a comic performance for his audition, which got him the role of Michael.[3][4][5] He moved into the Billy Elliot house, along with the other youngsters who play the lead roles in the musical.

In 2011, Pratt was cast as Nigel in the Stratford production of Matilda the Musical, and rejoined the West End, where he played Tommy.

Jake attended Hurtwood House, a sixth form college in Surrey, from 2013 – 2015. He starred in several productions including Jesus Christ Superstar, Love & Money and several other showcases. His biggest success however was landing the role of 'Murdered Man' in Hurtwood's Christmas production of Chicago, for which he was awarded the 'Cyrano Award'.

Personal life

[edit]

Pratt currently lives in Ickenham, London (after previously living in Scarborough) with his mother Joanne, father Steve and sisters Ellie-Jo and Tilly, who also made an appearance on Green Balloon Club on 20 February 2009.[18]

Filmography

[edit]
Film
Year Film Role Notes
2009 Nativity! Alfie
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2007 Britain's Got Talent Himself Contestant
2009 Wibbly Pig Wibbly Pig Narrator, Voice
Green Balloon Club Jay
Fun with Claude Boris Voice
The Amazing World of Gumball Darwin Voice (Only in the episode 'Early reel')
Stage
Year Title Role Theatre Notes
1 June 2009 –
28 August 2010 		Billy Elliot the Musical Michael Victoria Palace Theatre West End
2011 Matilda the Musical Nigel Courtyard Theatre Original cast

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jake Pratt

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jake Pratt (born 25 September 1996) is an English actor from , recognized for his early breakthrough as a child performer on the inaugural series of the talent competition in 2007, where his routine advanced him to the semi-finals at age ten, and for his prominent role as Alfie, a mischievous pupil in a , in the musical comedy film (2009). Following his appearance, which showcased his quick-witted impressions and jokes that earned praise from judges including , Pratt transitioned to musical theatre and screen work. He trained at the in and made his West End debut as Michael in (2009–2010) and as Nigel in the Royal Shakespeare Company's at (2011) and Tommy in the West End production (2012). In Nativity!, Pratt starred as the energetic schoolboy Alfie in a role involving improvised scenes alongside and a large ensemble of child actors. The film's scenes were largely unscripted, allowing Pratt and his young co-stars to ad-lib much of the dialogue, contributing to its lighthearted, chaotic charm. In the years after Nativity!, Pratt expanded into television, appearing in the CBBC environmental education series Green Balloon Club (2008–2009) as a recurring character and providing voice-over work, including the role of Darwin Watterson in the 2008 pilot short for the animated series The Amazing World of Gumball. He also featured in guest spots such as a tap-dancing performer in the surreal comedy This Is Jinsy (2011) and a workmate in the thriller short Twisted: The Devil in Her Mind (2012). From 2017 to 2018, Pratt lent his voice to various animal characters in the CBBC mockumentary series The Zoo, narrated by Hugh Dennis, marking his most recent credited screen role as of 2025. Throughout his career, Pratt has been noted for his versatility in both live theatre and voice acting, often drawing on his natural comedic timing honed from his early talent show experience, with continued involvement in theatre workshops as of 2025.

Early life and education

Childhood in Scarborough

Jake Pratt was born on 25 September 1996 in , . He grew up in the coastal town with his parents, Joanne and Steve, and two younger sisters, Ellie-Jo and Tilly. He was a pupil at St Peter's Roman Catholic School in Scarborough. From a young age, Pratt showed a keen interest in and , often entertaining family and friends by mimicking popular comedians at home. This passion led him to participate in local talent shows and school plays in Scarborough, where he first experienced performing for audiences. A notable childhood involves his early performances at the in Scarborough, which helped spark his enthusiasm for the stage. At age 10, Pratt transitioned to formal training to further develop his skills.

Training and early influences

Jake Pratt began his formal training in performance arts during his early years in Scarborough, participating in shows at the local theatre, where he developed foundational skills in stage presence and entertainment. He was also a member of the Scarborough Dance Centre, which provided him with training in dance and basic performance techniques. These local institutions offered Pratt his initial structured exposure to the , building on his innate interest in and . In 2007, following his and his mother's relocation to London, Pratt enrolled at the , where he received comprehensive training in acting, singing, and comedy over the subsequent years. The school's rigorous curriculum helped refine his versatile skills as a performer, preparing him for professional opportunities in the entertainment industry. Family encouragement, particularly from his mother Joanne who accompanied him to London, played a key role in supporting this transition and his dedication to honing his craft. Pratt's early influences included British acts, which inspired his development of joke routines and comedic timing through participation in local talent competitions, such as his joint win in York's show "More Front Than Scarborough." These experiences allowed him to practice stage presence and refine his material in front of audiences, laying the groundwork for his future auditions.

Career

Britain's Got Talent breakthrough (2007)

At the age of 10, Jake Pratt auditioned for the inaugural series of on ITV, with his performance airing on June 9, 2007. Hailing from Scarborough, he presented a comedy routine featuring cheeky, nearly naughty jokes delivered with surprising poise for a , followed by a rendition of a song. The judging panel—Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Piers Morgan—responded enthusiastically to Pratt's confidence and natural humor, with Cowell declaring him "funnier than Peter Kay" while critiquing his singing as subpar. All three judges advanced him to the semi-finals, impressed by his stage presence despite his youth. In the live semi-final on June 15, 2007, Pratt delivered another stand-up set incorporating jokes about everyday topics like teachers and , interspersed with twisted nursery rhymes and concluding with a brief song. Public voting resulted in his elimination, placing him just short of the final alongside acts like singer Jack Reeve. Pratt's appearance sparked immediate media attention as a prodigious child comedian, with coverage in outlets like the portraying him as a rising star on the circuit, bolstered by his prior wins in national youth talent contests.

Early film and television roles (2008–2012)

Following his appearance on in 2007, which boosted his visibility in the entertainment industry, Jake Pratt secured his first professional screen role as , a young nature reporter and presenter, in the CBeebies children's series . The show, which aired from June 2008 to May 2009, followed a group of children traveling the in a hot-air to explore environmental topics, with Pratt contributing to segments on wildlife and conservation through on-location reports and interactive activities. His energetic delivery as helped engage young audiences in educational content, marking Pratt's initial transition into structured television presenting. In 2009, Pratt made his film debut as Alfie, a spiky-haired schoolboy in a nativity play, in the comedy Nativity!, directed by and released on 27 November 2009. Alfie is depicted as an enthusiastic but competitive pupil who desperately wants the role of , leading to a memorable brawl with classmate Oli after missing out on the part. The film's production emphasized improvisation over scripted dialogue, with child actors like Pratt encouraged to "just be kids" under the guidance of a supportive crew, creating a natural, chaotic energy that captured the essence of school life. Pratt later recalled working alongside , who played the teacher Mr. Madden, as particularly enjoyable, noting Freeman's professional yet approachable demeanor that fostered a fun set environment despite the improvisational demands. Pratt also ventured into voice acting during this period, providing the voice for Darwin Watterson in the early pilot reel for the animated series , produced around 2008 and aired in short form in 2011. This role introduced him to animation work, where he voiced the optimistic fish-turned-brother character in preliminary footage that helped develop the show's quirky humor. Additionally, Pratt appeared in guest roles, including as a tap-dancing performer in the surreal comedy series This Is Jinsy (2011) and as James Workmate in the thriller short Twisted: The Devil in Her Mind (2012). As a shifting from on Britain's Got Talent to these scripted and improvised formats, Pratt faced the challenge of adapting to direction and ensemble dynamics, such as coordinating in Nativity!'s scenes, which required quick thinking and collaboration with peers under time constraints. He has described this period as a , balancing school commitments with professional sets while building confidence in varied performance styles.

West End stage success (2011–2019)

In 2011, Pratt joined the Royal Shakespeare Company's original production of at the Courtyard Theatre in , playing the role of Hicks in the ensemble. The show, adapted from Roald Dahl's novel, received critical acclaim for its inventive storytelling and music by , winning seven Olivier Awards upon its West End transfer. Pratt's contribution as was noted for its comedic flair, aligning with his background in humorous performance. Pratt reprised his involvement in Matilda on the West End at the Cambridge Theatre, taking the role of Tommy from to April 2012. This ensemble position allowed him to engage with the production's high-energy numbers and ensemble dynamics, further developing his skills in musical theater. Throughout the , Pratt's stage work emphasized his growth from child comedian to multifaceted performer, with roles that leveraged his dance training and expressive acting. Critics and audiences appreciated his ability to infuse humor into ensemble parts, marking a successful phase in West End musicals before shifting toward voice and screen projects later in the decade.

Recent acting and theater work (2020–present)

In the 2020s, Jake Pratt has maintained an active presence in the theater community, particularly through educational workshops and training initiatives in the UK. In October 2025, he led a choreography workshop focused on Matilda the Musical for students at PQA Windsor, where participants learned dance routines from the production and engaged in discussions about his professional journey in the industry. This event, held on a Saturday and announced in advance, highlighted Pratt's ongoing involvement in musical theater education, building on his earlier roles in the show during its 2011 premiere. Pratt's freelance work has included sharing insights from his career via , with his account (@jakespratt96) featuring updates on theater-related activities as of 2024 and 2025. These posts reflect his transition to mentoring and , sustaining his connection to amid a period of selective projects. His foundation in West End productions has supported this shift toward teaching and occasional workshops in the London area. In a December 2024 interview with Tyla, Pratt, then 28, reflected on his longevity in acting, describing Nativity! (2009) as an improvised "must-watch each Christmas" filmed without a script to capture authentic child performances. He praised co-star Martin Freeman's professionalism and expressed enthusiasm for a potential Nativity! 5 reunion, while noting ongoing contact with former castmates through social media. No major voice or indie film credits have been publicly documented since his 2017–2018 role in The Zoo, though his workshop appearances suggest a focus on inspirational and freelance theater contributions.

Personal life and legacy

Family and residence

Pratt maintains a close relationship with his family, including his parents, Joanne and Steve, and his two younger sisters, Ellie-Jo and Tilly. Originally from , Pratt relocated to the London area in around 2009 to pursue stage opportunities, such as his role in the West End production of , with his family supporting the move. As an adult, he has transitioned to greater independence while continuing to draw on family support, and as of 2024 divides his time between — including a flat in —and Scarborough. In September 2024, he and his fiancée moved into a flat in , . His Scarborough roots have shaped the family's values, influencing Pratt's grounded approach to his comedy style. Pratt graduated from the in 2018. He became engaged to Olivia Rooks in October 2024.

Public image and contributions

Jake Pratt's public image has undergone a notable transformation since his early exposure as a child performer, shifting from a youthful comedy sensation to a respected professional in British theater. Initially thrust into the spotlight at age 10 through his appearance on the first series of in 2007, reaching the semi-finals with routines including a rendition of "Life is a " during his audition, Pratt was celebrated for his precocious talent and confidence on stage. This debut marked him as one of the show's memorable young contestants, earning praise from judges including for his natural charisma. Media coverage has frequently framed Pratt's career trajectory as an exemplary "BGT semi-finalist turned West End star," emphasizing his evolution from television talent competition to acclaimed roles. Outlets like the and have highlighted this progression in retrospective features on child stars, portraying Pratt as a symbol of longevity and adaptability in the entertainment industry, particularly in how he navigated the demands of early fame to build a sustainable career in musical theater. Beyond his performances, Pratt's journey has contributed to inspiring the next generation of young actors and performers, serving as a real-world example of transitioning from visibility to professional legitimacy in . His story, often recounted in articles on successful child stars, underscores the potential for early exposure to foster long-term artistic development, encouraging aspiring theater enthusiasts to pursue rigorous and opportunities. Family support has played a key role in shaping his resilient public persona, providing stability amid the pressures of a public career from a young age.

Professional credits

Film and television

Pratt's early television work included a presenting role on the educational series The Green Balloon Club from 2008 to 2009, where he portrayed , one of four child hosts exploring wildlife and environmental themes across the in a hot-air balloon. The show, aimed at young audiences, featured Pratt alongside co-presenters , Thai Murray-Edwards, and Adam Wells, under the guidance of naturalist . In 2009, Pratt made his film debut as Alfie, a mischievous and enthusiastic schoolboy, in the Christmas comedy Nativity!, directed by . His character, a member of a class preparing for a , shares the screen with as the jaded teacher Mr. Madden and as the supportive Miss Poppy. The film, which grossed over £3 million at the UK and spawned a franchise of holiday sequels, has become a seasonal staple for its lighthearted portrayal of childhood innocence and festive chaos. Pratt's performance as the spiky-haired Alfie, who yearns to play in the school production, contributed to the movie's enduring appeal among families. That same year, Pratt provided voice work for the animated preschool series Wibbly Pig, voicing characters in episodes focused on imaginative play and simple adventures. He also lent his voice to a child character in the UK version of the train-themed show in 2008. Pratt voiced Darwin Watterson, the optimistic fish-turned-fish-footed brother of the protagonist, in the 2008 pilot reel for the Cartoon Network animated series . Although the role was recast for the full series premiere in 2011, his early contribution helped shape the character's initial conceptualization in the show's development. In 2011, Pratt appeared as a tap dancer in episode 6 ("Vel") of the surreal comedy series This Is Jinsy. In 2012, Pratt appeared in a minor supporting role as James, a workmate, in the psychological thriller Twisted: The Devil in Her Mind, directed by Eddie Bammeke. The low-budget film explores themes of deception and mental unraveling, with Pratt's brief performance adding to the ensemble cast's depiction of everyday figures entangled in the central mystery. More recently, in 2017, Pratt reprised his character Jay in the short film My Neighbours are the Presenters, a lighthearted nod to children's programming. His screen credits following his breakthrough on in 2007 have primarily focused on youth-oriented and family entertainment projects.

Stage and voice roles

Pratt's early stage career gained prominence with his role as Michael Caffrey in the West End production of at the , where he performed from 2009 to 2010. As the best friend of the protagonist, Pratt's portrayal highlighted his dance skills, including contributions to the choreography in ensemble numbers like "Expressing Yourself," drawing on his background in from . He retired from the role after a successful run, which helped establish him as a versatile young performer in musical theater. In 2010, Pratt originated the role of in the Royal Shakespeare Company's premiere of at the Courtyard Theatre in , contributing to a production that later transferred to the West End and earned seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical. The following year, he took on the role of Tommy in the West End version at the Cambridge Theatre, showcasing his ensemble work in this adaptation of Roald Dahl's story, directed by . Transitioning to voice acting, Pratt provided the voice for Big Pig and served as the narrator in the CBeebies animated series Wibbly Pig from 2009 to 2010, adapting Mick Inkpen's books for preschool audiences. He also voiced Boris the Brown Bear in the Playhouse Disney series Fun with Claude in 2009, and lent his voice to minor characters such as Lori's Nephew in Chuggington episodes around 2008. In animation, Pratt voiced Darwin Watterson in the early pilot reel for The Amazing World of Gumball in 2008. From 2017 to 2018, Pratt provided voices for various animal characters in the CBBC mockumentary series The Zoo. More recently, as of 2025, he has been involved in voice-over workshops and projects, including the role of Leo the Lion in Super Squad Shows.

References

  1. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/jake-pratt.html
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-2GWyXZlts
  3. https://www.radiotimes.com/movies/nativity-cast-now/
  4. https://www.tyla.com/entertainment/celebrity/nativity-christmas-film-behind-the-scenes-jake-pratt-551179-20241210
  5. https://matildathemusical.fandom.com/wiki/Jake_Pratt
  6. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3450144/
  7. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1247018-jake-pratt
  8. https://www.comedy.co.uk/people/jake_pratt/
  9. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Jake-Pratt/
  10. https://www.instagram.com/p/DPyc6tOCG8m/
  11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/york/hi/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8215000/8215026.stm
  12. https://www.pressreader.com/uk/the-scarborough-news/20200305/282668984406539
  13. https://www.express.co.uk/expressyourself/9885/Britain-s-got-talent
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1052110/
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPkHq_XZnKg
  16. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/york/low/people_and_places/arts_and_culture/newsid_8215000/8215026.stm
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563098/
  18. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00c6s5q
  19. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1242447/fullcredits/
  20. https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1989846/nativity-stars-now-britains-got-talent
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6912294/
  22. https://theamazingworldofgumball.fandom.com/wiki/Jake_Pratt
  23. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2346078/
  24. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/lifestyle/article-10263019/Where-children-Nativity-now.html
  25. https://matildathemusical.fandom.com/wiki/Nigel
  26. https://billyelliottheforum.me.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1993&start=10
  27. https://www.instagram.com/jakespratt96/
  28. https://www.broadwayworld.com/westend/article/BILLY-ELLIOT-THE-MUSICAL-Celebrates-5-Years-In-The-West-End-on-March-31-20100315
  29. https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/cast-real-twin-brothers-billy-praed-tours-music_17268/
  30. https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/nativity-cast-then-and-now
  31. https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/nativity-child-stars-now-britains-31575264
  32. https://watch.plex.tv/person/jake-pratt
  33. https://www.bgt.fandom.com/wiki/Jake_Pratt
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1307510/fullcredits/
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