Thame student joins national theatre company

A drama student from Lord Williams?s school in Thame has secured a coveted place at the National Youth Theatre.

17 year-old Tom Colley of Haddenham is one of 600 young people out of 4,000 who successfully auditioned to join the company and starts his training in the next few days

“I am thrilled to have such a golden opportunity in developing my chosen career path,” said Tom. “For many years my dream has been to become a professional actor and to work in the theatre and other genres. Joining the National Youth Theatre brings that dream a step closer to reality,” he said proudly.

To-date Tom?s experience has included playing the role of Willy Wonka in Charlie And The Chocolate Factory and Kashoggi in We Will Rock You. Just recently he has taken up another new challenge, as a leading light in a new community based organisation, youngSTARS Thame, currently working to support The Phoenix Appeal to secure funds to complete the fitting out of the Phoenix Performing Arts Studio on the Lord Williams?s School site in Thame.

Tom continued: “The school had a proud history of creative achievement, and when the old drama studio was burnt down, this was a real blow. So, having a new space to rehearse and stage plays in is great.

“When I discovered that there was an organisation I could join to help stage events and raise funds for the completion of the project, and be part of the decision making process, I jumped at the chance.

“I feel strongly that young people should have a greater say in how local things are run and get done. If we can deliver support by young people, for young people, that will be a great community achievement,” Tom concluded.