Rawdon actor is hoping to change stereotypes, and land a Dr Who first, with new sci-fi film role

George Webster, aged 20, has been cast in "BEBE A.I." which is an adventure packed Sci-Fi short film, set in a familiar near future where humans continue to strive for unattainable ideas of 'perfection'.

A couple, both with Down's syndrome, take centre stage and Jonny, played by Mr Webster, and Michaela (Bethany Asher) want to adopt a much longed for baby android to start their family but are rejected because they don't fit the mould.

The film explores society’s perceptions of perfection, prejudices and challenges the film and television industry not giving a voice to a large section of society.

Filming is set to start at the end of next month in Manchester.

Mr Webster, currently attends Mind The Gap college in Bradford for young adults with a learning disability and/or autism who want a career in the performing arts sector.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: "It is a really good storyline. I am so excited to start filming, I am really looking forward to it. I was in a workshop last year with Bethany and she is a lovely girl. I want to show that I can do it, anyone can do it. It is a significant thing."

Mr Webster also wants to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that face people with disabilities who want to get into film, television and performance.

He added: "I have always wanted to be an actor, I love film and performance. I want to be given the opportunity to do more films and be equals and treated like everyone else and not be judged. That is the thing about the film as well."

Mr Webster, attended the mainstream schools St. Peters Primary and Benton Park High both in Rawdon and got GCSEs in Media, Maths, English, Food Tech and a sports qualification before studying a Creative Digital Media Production BTEC at Shipley College in Saltaire.

He started acting at StageDoor in Guiseley when he was eight and stayed for 11 years. In that time he took part in many shows, some of which were performed at Yeadon Town Hall. His first acting role in a film was S.A.M about two boys called Sam both from different backgrounds who bond on the swings at a park.

He is an ambassador for Mencap and was chief cheerer for the Virtual London Marathon in 2020 as Mencap was the event's chosen charity. Mr Webster is a runner himself and attends Woodhouse Moor park run every week.

He works as a barista and waiter at Cafe 21Co in Headingley but the dream is to pursue a career on the screen.

Mr Webster added: "I hope to be in TV and film roles in the future. I love Marvel and Dr Who and that kind of thing. I would love to be in those - the first Down's Syndrome doctor in Dr Who, you never know."

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