A TEENAGER with cerebral palsy has taken centre stage at a glitzy Disney film premier after playing the lead role in an upcoming movie.

Phoebe-Rae Taylor, a Year Ten student at Mayflower High School, is playing the lead role of Melody in Disney’s new movie “Out of My Mind” – despite never acting before in her life.

The role sees Melody navigate sixth grade as a non-verbal wheelchair user who has cerebral palsy – a condition Phoebe-Rae also lives with.

With the help of assistive technology, which is voiced by Jennifer Aniston, and her devoted friends, the character shows that “what she has to say, is more important than how she says it”.

This week Phoebe-Rae has attended the Disney+ world premier event in Utah, alongside her co-stars.

Phoebe-Rae said: “I have just been to the world premiere of my film. It was really weird to watch myself. It was amazing.

“Everyone is shocked when they hear this, but I have never acted before in my life. The director got in touch as I was signed up with a modelling agency.

“It has been the best experience I have ever had. It is definitely what I would want to do if I got the opportunity again.”

Phoebe-Rae auditioned for the part when she was just ten, with plans for the film delayed due to the pandemic.

She spent five months filming in Canada two years ago, but missed just two weeks of schooling as her teachers provided her with work throughout her trip.

After flying out to America for the world premiere, the Year 10 student is now back preparing for her GCSEs at Mayflower High School.

Headteacher Damian Lee said: “Everyone at Mayflower is extremely proud of Phoebe and her amazing achievement.

“To be selected from the numbers of young people who auditioned shows the positive impression she made with the producers.

“We are not surprised by this as Phoebe is one of life’s shining lights with an infectious smile and great personality.

“Having spent time with Phoebe hearing about the film and the strong messages it conveys, I can’t wait to tune in and watch it for myself.”

The film, an adaptation of the book of the same title, premieres on Disney+ later this year.