1812 Youth Theatre Successes

Old news but worth repeating on the new blog for those who didn't see it first time around.

As reported in the Gazette & Herald (11/06/2009) FOUR talented young thespians from a Ryedale youth theatre group are enjoying stunning success.

The teenagers are all members of 1812 youth theatre group, which meets at Helmsley Arts Centre each week.

Nathaniel Priestley, 19, has been accepted into East 15 acting school in London, Sam Lunn, 18, has won a place on the drama degree course at Manchester Metropolitan University, Polly Gunton, another pupil, is currently acting in the West Yorkshire Playhouse production of Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials, and Hannah Moody, 15, has just been accepted into the National Youth Theatre.

Claire Lishman, marketing and theatre manager at the Helmsley Arts Centre, said: “I am very proud of the four of them.

“They have all had lead parts in the last four shows we have put on. They have been coming to theatre group for many years, so they very much deserve to go on to bigger things.

“We wish them all the very best in the future and we will miss Sam and Nathaniel, who will not be coming to youth theatre any more.”

Nathaniel, who lives in Nunnington, said: “I’ve been acting all my life, and I started at the 1812 Youth Theatre when I was six or seven.

“The most fun role I have ever had was as Dracula in our youth theatre production of Dracula in spring last year.

“After I finish my course, I want to get a job in acting, but I am not sure if it will be in stage, radio or television. There is a lot out there to discover.”

Sam said: “I joined the youth theatre when I was 12, and ever since then acting has been my passion.

“I’d like to work on theatre or on screen – anything I can do to keep performing.”

Hannah, who lives in Kirkby Knowle, will go on a 12-day course with the National Youth Theatre in London next Easter. Once completed, she will be eligible to act in professional productions.

She said: “I can’t wait. It’ll be really good staying in London, and the course should give me a better idea of whether I want to do acting as a career.”

Polly was unable to comment, as she was busy acting in His Dark Materials, which runs until June 20.