Lucy Hutchinson (actress)

Hutchinson's first acting experience came in the 2008 film Dustbin Baby, based on Jacqueline Wilson's 2001 novel of the same name.^[2] In Dustbin Baby, she played the younger version of the lead character April, seen in flashbacks. Hutchinson was five at the time of filming, and was described by director Juliet May as "one of the most remarkable five year olds I have ever met", saying that "it's like she's not acting at all".^[3] Prior to her appearance in Dustbin Baby, Hutchinson had attended a local drama group for children, and was signed up with an agency. Her father said that she got the role because "she was the right face in the right place ... She was incredibly lucky but that doesn't deter from how well she did in getting it."^[4]

After the release of Dustbin Baby, Hutchinson played roles in British television programmes EastEnders, Doc Martin and Psychoville. Her film debut came when she filmed scenes for the American film Prometheus, in which she played a younger version of the main character, Elizabeth Shaw. Hutchinson said "It was really good and I think the experience was great for me as well. It was filming at Pinewood, it is such a big place and that showed me what other sets were being built there which was good. I have never really been to a big set before, I just thought 'wow'. I know it was a big scene, Ridley Scott told me it was a really big scene. I was quite confident and just thought 'yeah I am going to do this'."^[2]

Hutchinson subsequently made appearances on radio, stage and television, including roles in Little Crackers, The Politician's Husband, Not Going Out and Inside No. 9. She had main roles in CBBC's Dani's Castle and the BBC sitcom The Kennedys. Hutchinson also performed at the Royal National Theatre in a production of Emil and the Detectives from 11 November until 20 March, featuring other later-successful child actors Seb Sargent and Louis Partridge, a rehearsal for which was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and The Duke of Edinburgh.^[5][6][7]

As of 2012^[update], then-eight-year-old Hutchinson attended school in Croydon, where she lived with her parents, Gary and Anna, and older brother.^[2][8]