BP News

Youth Theatre Corner

Big Spirit Youth Theatre has an enviable reputation for producing actors of the highest calibre and it is always satisfying when people go on to drama school – if that is what they want to do. This year we have another group moving in this direction: Dan Tiplady who many of you may remember as Benjamin in The Graduate recently or perhaps Claudius in Big Spirit's acclaimed Hamlet, or even as the piano-playing pupil in The History Boys, is off to Rose Bruford in September. There is a well-worn trail to this superb drama school in South London – it was John Gardiner's alma mater, and Claire Rushbrook's too plus a score of others from Big Spirit over the years. Then there is Jake Mann who is going to RADA. He stunned us with his portrayal of Hamlet in May and captured the essence of Dakin in The History Boys. We have had a steady stream of young people going to this the most famous of all drama schools over the years – and it is damn difficult to get into as the intake is tightly restricted (28 per year), so it's a very real achievement by Jake. Our congratulations to both guys – it's properly deserved and what's more, they have promised to keep in touch so we can follow their progress with interest.

The growing band of professional actors who started their acting at the QMT is a source of pride for all of us in the Bancroft Players but that isn't the aim of Big Spirit at all – it's goal is simple to pass on to young people a love of drama and acting. It is natural that a proportion of Big Spiriters will want to go on an make theatre their career but there are so many more who become lawyers, teachers, doctors, academics or whatever who take a love of drama with them into their adulthood and thankfully use their performance skills in their work. All of this is a testament to the great job that the BP's do in supporting and promoting Arts in this area

Some thoughts from Jake and Dan:

I am sad to say that The Tempest will be my last show – I have enjoyed my time here at the Queen Mum so much it is beyond words. I have made life-long best mates and been taught lifelong lessons on and off the stage. I would never have even known about drama school without Big Spirit's guidance, it has pointed me in the right direction and handed out the experience that was necessary for my success at getting into RADA. I appreciate everything that has been done for me here and will never forget about it. Thanks to you all!

Jake Mann

The QMT has been a significant part of my life for some 10 years now and throughout that time I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of it. Before joining the theatre I had no idea that I would want to perform as a profession, but as soon as I found my footing, I knew that I didn't want to do anything else. I know that I wouldn't be going off to drama school now if it wasn't for the constant support I have received from everyone down the theatre, and the training I have been given through Big Spirit, which has nurtured me into the person I am today. I am sad to leave behind such a wonderful place and such wonderful people. Many thanks to everyone and please come and see my last show The Tempest.

Daniel Tiplady

PS: Don't forget to come and support our open-air production of The Tempest and see Dan and Jake in their last BS show. It runs from 16th – 18th July at The Bury, Church Road, Barton-le-Clay.

Big Spirit