In the new adaptation of Enid Blyton’s book The Famous Five, Elliott Rose plays Julian alongside Diaana Babnicova as George, with the first episode being released in December 2023 on CBBC and further episodes to be announced. Elliott played Gunnar (Nicole Kidman’s son) in the feature film The Northman, with Alexander Skarsgård and Claes Bang also part of the cast. Most recently on stage, Elliott played Tommy in the West End production of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical, and he previously played Tommy Stubbins on the UK Tour of Doctor Dolittle and made his West End debut as Young Charlie in Kinky Boots at the Adelphi Theatre. Answering our questions, Elliott talked to us about playing Julian in The Famous Five, filming as Gunnar in The Northman and his time as Tommy in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked your role of Julian in The Famous Five and was there anything that drew you to the series?

It was awesome. Once I got that call from my agent, I was on top of the world. The Famous Five is such a British treasure and to play Julian and be a part of that fantastic history is just such an honour.

What is Julian like to play and how did you prepare for filming?

Playing Julian was a lot of fun. I hope that he is a good role model for young boys as I tried to play him with strong and caring characteristics. I read the first Famous Five book during auditions to see what kind of kid he was and what sort of relationship he had with his siblings.

How was it meeting the rest of the cast for the first time and what is it like on set?

On the first day, us kids just seemed to click and I knew this was going to be something very special. In between takes we all had a great laugh and chat. It was like living in another time period. We filmed on steam trains, in castles and in caves, which made the experience so exciting. We also got to wear the clothes from 1930s, which was really different.

What was it like watching the completed first episode when it was released in December and what are you looking forward to for the release of further episodes?

I was very excited and slightly nervous to see the finished product. When I watched it, it was just what I’d hoped it would be. I watched the rough edit of Episode 2 not so long ago and I really can’t wait for everyone else to see it. It’s very action-packed.

Who do you think will enjoy watching the new adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five on CBBC?

I feel anyone who likes a bit of adventure will love The Famous Five. It’s definitely one for families to watch together.

Can you tell us about your character Gunnar in the feature film The Northman and what was the film like to be part of?

Gunnar is a bratty son of the chieftain and is very jealous of his older brother Thorir. It was very interesting to film as the scenes were so unique and exciting. One thing I remember very clearly was how cold it was. We were all on the side of a mountain wrapped in coats in between takes. Something I’ll never forget.

What was it like working alongside a cast including Alexander Skarsgård, Nicole Kidman and Claes Bang, and how was it attending the film’s premiere?

The Northman was my first feature film and to be working with Hollywood A-listers was incredible. They all treated me so well and I learnt so much from them. It was an amazing experience to play Nicole Kidman’s son. She’s a phenomenal actress. The premiere was fantastic as well. To see myself on that huge screen really was a dream come true.

On stage, you most recently played Tommy in the West End production of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda The Musical, what are some of your favourite memories from performing in the show?

The swing was definitely the best part of the show. I was one of the front swings, so I flew over the heads of the front rows of the audience. I can’t describe that feeling. There are some awesome photos of it.

How did you find the experience touring as Tommy Stubbins in the UK Tour of Doctor Dolittle?

I loved the story of Doctor Dolittle, the idea of talking to animals is great. I remember sitting on the front of the bike in the show and it really felt like going for a bike ride, the ensemble really made it feel real. Working with the other cast was awesome as well as they were all so talented. Brian Capron is hilarious.

What do you remember from your time in the cast of Kinky Boots as Young Charlie and making your West End debut at the Adelphi Theatre?

Kinky Boots was where my journey into the performing arts industry began. I was eight years old, and I was watching The Lion King when my mum got a call to say that I had been offered the role of Young Charlie. I couldn’t stop smiling the rest of the show. Kinky Boots was a fantastic show to be in. It was so lively and energetic. My mum must have watched it 50+ times.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

We as a family have always loved going to the theatre. After watching Billy Elliot, I fell in love with the idea of performing. I asked if I could go to a theatre club, and I started going on the weekend to our local one called Tomorrows Talent. After being there for about a year, they asked me to audition for the role of Young Charlie in the West End production of Kinky Boots. Incredibly, I got offered the role and from there I was on my way.

Do you have any favourite films, TV and theatre shows to watch?

I have so many films that I love, and my top films are always changing. Right now, my top three are Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (I love that movie so much), The Coen Brothers’ O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and Stephen King’s Stand By Me. The last play I watched was To Kill a Mockingbird in London starring Matthew Modine and it was fantastic. The acting was some of the best I’ve ever seen on stage and it would be a dream to be in this play in the future.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love music! I love playing music and writing music and listening to music. If it’s about music, I’ll do it. My dad plays the guitar and I think that’s where I got the music bug from. I also jam with a few of my mates as we are all very interested in playing. I go out with my mates a lot. We go wild swimming and to our local fields and woodlands. Along with going outside, I am a very sporty person. I am very into rugby and have played from a young age.

What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

I have a very good feeling about this year with The Famous Five just being released. I hope that this year brings lots of opportunities for me to express my passion for acting. I also hope to be filming some more The Famous Five episodes this year.

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