From Redruth to the West End stage – dancer and performer Jago Mottart has been named the 2025 recipient of the Redruth Charity Trust RLG Shield.

Now in its third year, this special award recognises a former Redruth Learning Group (RLG) student whose journey through education and beyond is marked by exceptional achievement, personal commitment and the power to inspire others. The award is nominated by Redruth School, as part of the wider RLG Awards ceremony hosted by the secondary school, which celebrates pupils from across the Redruth Learning Group’s Key Stage 2 schools.

When we received Jago’s nomination, we were in full agreement – knowing his pedigree, his passion and the mark he has already made, both locally and nationally.

The award was presented at the ceremony by Chris Hailey, Chair of Redruth Charity Trust, following the reading of Jago’s full citation by Mr Bartlett of Redruth School:

Jago’s journey is one of both inspiration and commitment. It all began at the age of six when he was a primary student and joined a local street dance group in Camborne. He was a child with a dream, and a whole lot of energy. By the age of seven, he had joined a competitive under-10s street crew and they quickly found themselves dancing their way to success, with Jago’s team winning their very first event at South West Championships. That victory sparked a path that led to national and even world championship success. But Jago didn’t stop there. He began competing as an individual dancer and as part of a duo, winning event after event, proving that talent and hard work were a powerful combination.

As he moved into his Redruth School years, Jago’s love of dance expanded. He took on contemporary styles, performing not only in competitions but on high-profile stages, including the renowned “Move It” main stage. His talent took him far beyond Cornwall – all the way to Malaysia for an international dance festival. He earned scholarships to train in London every other Sunday for five years.

At 15, Jago was selected by the world-renowned Matthew Bourne to join the young cast of Romeo and Juliet in Southampton – his first taste of professional-level performance. All whilst studying for his GCSEs here during the week.

At school, Jago embraced every opportunity – from school plays to dance showcases including the RLG Dance. He wowed the Redruth audiences as Troy Bolton in High School Musical, completed a full GCSE in Dance in just one year, earning a top grade 9. Within the RLG events, Jago was not only a standout performer at the RLG Dance held annually at the Regal, he was the brains behind many of the group performances – choreographing the Redruth dances and combined schools dance.

His dedication and versatility saw him scouted by multiple prestigious colleges. He chose to train at the Urdang Academy in London – one of the UK’s top performing arts institutions – earning a full scholarship and, most importantly to his parents, graduating with no student debt.

At Urdang, Jago worked relentlessly. Although he started in the bottom set for ballet, tap and singing, his determination paid off. He was cast in lead singing roles in both his second and third year productions – proof of how far his vocal training had come.

Before he even graduated, Jago had secured an agent and his first professional contract. Since then, he’s been on an incredible run of jobs:

• A year-long tour with Jesus Christ Superstar
• An original cast member of Here & Now, the Steps musical
• And now – perhaps most exciting of all – he’s currently touring with Hamilton as Charles Lee and ensemble, also covering the role of King George. And yes – the tour arrives in Plymouth this July for six weeks, so if you get a chance to head across the Tamar this summer it will be worth the watch.

Jago’s story is proof that dreams really can come true when you’re willing to put in the work. From a local primary student like the young students before me now, to a full-time career that allows him to tour the country with the very best in the business.

We extend our sincere thanks to Redruth School for their continued leadership of the RLG events that showcase the talent and ambition of Redruth’s young people.

On behalf of the Trustees of Redruth Charity Trust – congratulations, Jago. Your dedication, creativity and ambition continue to inspire the Redruth community and beyond.