Actress Amy secures top student role
An East Riding schoolgirl has landed a place at a prestigious theatre school.
Amy Matthews, of Camerton, has been accepted into Italia Conti, Britain's oldest theatre arts training school.
The 16-year-old beat hundreds of entrants at the auditions for just 50 places.
She is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Conti pupils including Kelly Brook, Leslie Ash, Patsy Kensit and Martine McCutcheon.
Amy, who is studying for 11 GCSEs, has also been accepted on to the National Youth Theatre's summer workshops.
The South Holderness Technology College pupil has dreamed of a stage career since an early age.
She said: "I've always wanted to be a performer since I was a little girl.
"I didn't expect to get in to Italia Conti on my first audition. I know how hard it is to get into the entertainment industry, so I'm overwhelmed."
She began training with the Lyn Wilson School of Dance in Hedon aged four and then with Northern Academy Of Performing Arts from the age of nine.
Last year, Amy won first place in the Hull and East Riding Speech and Drama Festival for a musical theatre duet.
She has achieved grade five in modern theatre and in tap and grade four in singing and musical theatre.
While studying for the three-year Performing Arts Diploma at Italia Conti, Amy will have the opportunity to perform at London theatres.
She is looking forward to returning home to perform in The Hired Man, originally directed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, at Hull Truck Theatre from August 5 to August 8.
Mum Kim Matthews, 43, said: "I'm very proud. Amy's worked so hard. She deserves this."
Kim said Amy has been rehearsing up to five nights a week as well as working part-time in a restaurant to fund her studies in London.
She said: "We're saving up and doing all we can, but if any local companies would like to sponsor her, we would be very grateful."
5 Comments
by Andy, Beverley
Wednesday, April 01 2009, 3:03PM
“Hey Positive Person - I can't help but notice that your "positivity" did not extend to congratulating Really Rather Disinterested's neighbour's son on finding a job or the puppy! Newflash tomorrow "Positive Person of Cottingham has run out of positiveness"?
Bring on the puppy update story!”
by Really Rather Disinterested, Hull, Hull
Wednesday, April 01 2009, 2:51PM
“Yes thanks Positive Person - I have done plenty to be proud of including having donated bone marrow actually - however neither I nor my husband felt the need to ring up the HDM to tell them what a marvellous little trooper I am.
Had you read my post properly you will see I totally agreed that Amy's parents would and should be proud of her and was not negating that in any way - I merely questioned whether this is a newsworthy story. What news tomorrow? Kelvin aged 17 has flipped his first burger?”
by Bimty, Right here
Wednesday, April 01 2009, 11:33AM
“Thank you Really Rather Disintereted, Hull for making me laugh today. Your post was spot on. Although I think the HDM should run a follow up story on your puppy! It's got to be more interesting than a clamping story.”
by Positive Person (for a change!), Cottingham
Wednesday, April 01 2009, 11:25AM
“Aren't some people sad.....I bet you've done lots in your life to be proud of...?! - no, thought not. Well done Amy, congratulations and all the luck with your career!”
by Really Rather Disinterested, Hull
Wednesday, April 01 2009, 8:46AM
“Oh Yawn! Yesterday we had a story on Eleanor Tomlinson NOT being in a film, now we have Amy getting into college. Yes, it's great news for them, pats on respective backs all around and their parents must be rightfully proud, but is it really "news" for the rest of us? Bring back the days when pushy parents just bored relatives and friends rather than ringing the HDM to tell us how wonderful their offspring are!
My neighbour's son has just got his first job working as an office junior having struggled to find a job for months and his mother is proud as punch AND my 6 month old puppy has just started Obedience School and has now learned how to sit and stay well ahead of fierce opposition from a daschund and a dalmatian. I am simply thrilled. Somehow I don't think this is particularly interesting for anyone else though!”