Stage set for a new Helen Mirren
A talented Staffordshire teenager has been accepted into the prestige National Youth Theatre after going up against more than 4,000 other would-be actors to secure a place.
Stefanie Walker, aged 18, of Cherry Orchard, Lichfield, is joining a company whose past members include Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Day Lewis and Orlando Bloom. The former King Edward VI pupil was at work at Friary Shoes, Lichfield, when she heard she'd been successful.
She said: "The letter from the NYT arrived while I was at work, but my mum and dad rang me straight away.
"I screamed and ran around the shop when they opened it."
Stefanie, currently on a gap year, went through a rigorous audition process in February to win one of the 200 places.
"I love drama so I'm really grateful for this amazing opportunity," she added.
The National Youth Theatre runs workshops and drama courses around the country, and members can audition for parts in its first-rate productions.
Some members have gone on to become A-list stars, but Stefanie isn't putting all her eggs in one basket – she goes to the University of Durham in September to study law.
The budding thespian has now been tasked with fundraising , and has organised a quiz night and entertainment at St Joseph's Primary School hall, in Cherry Orchard, at 7pm next Saturday.
To book, call 01543 304119. The money raised will go to the NYT and Wateraid.