Stars play supporting role for former tutor
Date published: 14 September 2010
Oldham TV stars Suranne Jones and Kelvin Fletcher are backing a new young people’s theatre company being run by their old tutor.
Oldham Theatre Workshop founder David Johnson will run the new company, for 11 to 16-year-olds, at Salford’s prestigious Lowry theatres.
The Lowry Young Actors Company will be made up of students selected by audition, the first of which is at the theatre and galleries complex on Saturday (2-6pm) and Sunday (10am-1pm and 2-6 pm).
Meeting every Saturday afternoon, students of the company will get the chance to work with industry professionals, national and international directors, actors and writers.
Johnson has helped a long list of now-famous acting names over the years.
These include Oldham’s Anne Kirkbride and Michael Le Vell (Corrie characters Deirdre Barlow and Kevin Webster) along with Chadderton’s former Corrie favourite Suranne Jones and film star Anna Friel, “Shameless” favourite Gerard Kearns and Kelvin Fletcher from “Emmerdale”.
“It is incredibly exciting to be setting out on a new venture at Britain’s leading regional arts centre,” said David “With the imminent opening of MediaCityUK, this is a fantastic opportunity and the perfect time to start developing the skills of the stars of the future.”
Suranne Jones will be patron for the new company, which aims to attract and develop raw talent from across the region.
Kelvin Fletcher said: “This is a really fantastic opportunity for young people. David is the best acting tutor around.”
Prospective students can book an audition at www.thelowry.com/event/lowry-young-actors-company-auditions. Successful applicants will pay fees, but means-tested bursaries will be available.
