Just before the summer holidays, we were delighted to learn that Fifth Former Henry Gillham had gained a place at the prestigious National Youth Theatre (NYT) Summer School.
Henry, who is one of our drama scholars, was one of thousands of young hopefuls who auditioned for the prestigious course. Henry was up against approximately 6,000 talented young actors and was one of just 70 who was invited on the course. He joins a long list of Bedford School drama students who have trodden the boards at the NYT. In the last seven years, at least one boy every year has joined the company.
Henry (centre) in Bedford School’s performance of ‘Teechers’ in April 2023.
The audition process was no easy task. Firstly, Henry was required to send in an audition tape of a monologue. He then received a call back on Zoom where he had to perform another monologue. Following which, he then had an informal chat so they could see what he was like as a person.
Henry explained, “The course was two weeks long. The first week was getting to know people and other workshops. The second week was spent working on the final showcase that we performed in the Tron Theatre.”
Henry (bottom right) in the NYT’s end-of-course performance.
The final piece was a devised showcase of the work the students had worked on over the week. Henry played multiple roles within it and choreographed a movement sequence for it following the theme ‘Radical Joy’.
Henry went on to say, “The best bit about the course was meeting some very talented actors and devising with them.”