As we begin the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the achievements and highlights from the past term at Drama Studio London. Winter 2024 saw significant milestones, with both our current students and alumni showcasing dedication, creativity, and growth. We’re proud to look back on the progress made and the vibrant moments that shaped the term.
Alumni Achievements Shine Across the Industry
Our graduates continue to make waves across the industry, and we couldn’t be prouder. From theatre and film to audio and comedy, DSL alumni are proving their talent, captivating both audiences and critics alike. Here’s a roundup of some of their recent triumphs:
Moana Doll, Shelton Wong and Pablo Laguna (MFA, 2024) have launched Building Rockets Theatre Company, captivating audiences with their debut piece WAKARESASEYA or How To End Things. Developed during their time at DSL, this innovative work debuted at the Lambeth Fringe, offering a darkly comic twist on the classic love triangle that spirals into a whirlwind of secrets and lies.
Fresh off a four-star run at the Edinburgh Fringe, Jessie-Wren Jacobs, Paddy Lish (BA Hons, 2023) and Zoe Manset (MFA, 2023) brought their critically acclaimed feminist tragicomedy This Porno Does Not Pass the Bechdel Test to the Croydonites Festival. Dubbed ‘essential viewing for the modern age’ by The Wee Review, the trio masterfully blended humour and poignancy, delivering a sharp, thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of contemporary society.
In two thrilling new releases on Amazon Prime, Charlotte Claypole (PG, 2024) shone as the supporting lead in the feature film Teddy and the Mountain. Meanwhile, Alexander Harriss (BA Hons, 2023) delivered a gripping performance in the psychological thriller Charlotte, which had its much-anticipated premiere at Frightfest in Leicester Square.
Millie Tusa (MA, 2024) stepped into the spotlight at the Federation of Drama Schools Dublin Showcase, representing DSL with grace and talent at the renowned Abbey Theatre. With her Irish roots in County Fermanagh and prior training at Trinity College before joining Drama Studio London, Millie’s performances felt like a true full-circle moment.
Through her company Springbok Production House, Freddie Acaster (BA Hons, 2023) produced the thought-provoking one-man show Tea Light at The Hope Theatre. Written and performed by Josh Maughan, with Katie Bourne as co-writer, the show explores modern queer euphoria, celebrating its freedom while confronting its challenges. Tea Light exemplifies Springbok’s commitment to bringing challenging and urgent stories to the stage.
Bradley Peake (MA, 2023) made his cinematic mark with PURE, a short film he wrote, produced, directed, and starred in, which premiered at Curzon Soho. After graduating from DSL, Bradley embarked on a 16-month filmmaking journey, beginning with scriptwriting in August 2023. PURE follows ‘Aaron’ as he navigates casual relationships amid struggles with mental health, exploring themes of intimacy, grief, and male vulnerability.
Georgia Brooke-Hitching, Maria Wold and Mel Merz (MFA, 2023) lit up Riverside Studios with a special Christmas party edition of Chaotic Cabaret, produced by Trap90 Theatre, the company they founded during their time at DSL. Audiences enjoyed a vibrant mix of comedy, burlesque, and stand-up, offering a dynamic blend of chaos and charm.
We love hearing from our alumni and sharing their achievements with the DSL community. If you are a graduate and have production news to share, email us at alumni@dramastudiolondon.co.uk
Experts Share Wisdom with Our Students
Each year, we welcome a diverse array of industry professionals to our studios to meet with our graduating students. Last term, our guests included writers, critics, directors, actors, and tutors, each offering a unique lens into the professional world. Our students were thrilled to welcome Waj Ali, Alexandra Gilbreath, Mark Oosterveen, Phillip Breen, Matt Wolf, Ceri Gifford, Sarah Esdaile, and Nina Toussaint-White. They shared personal journeys, creative insights, and pivotal career moments, fostering an enriching and dynamic learning environment. We remain incredibly grateful to our guest speakers for their time and invaluable wisdom.
Meet the Recipients of the Peter John CBE Scholarship
We were delighted to announce the recipients of the Professor Peter John CBE Professional Acting Scholarship: Malika Jones (MA), Lorenzo Kelly (MFA), and Joseph Oyewole (BA Hons). Named after the Vice Chancellor of the University of West London, this prestigious scholarship offers a tuition fee discount, supporting talented students in overcoming financial barriers to their training.
Malika shared, ‘I am incredibly honoured to be awarded The Professor Peter John CBE Professional Acting Scholarship. A big weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I can now focus my energy entirely on my training at DSL without financial pressure.’
Lorenzo expressed, ‘I’d like to thank DSL and UWL for the honour of being awarded this scholarship. It helped cover additional fees and allowed me to focus on my education. I will thrive during my time in the MFA program and as a professional actor.’
Joseph reflected, ‘Thank you to the school and teachers for this generous opportunity. It allows me to focus on my studies and give 200% to my dreams, studies, and aspirations. Thank you, Drama Studio London.’
Congratulations to our awardees! Read more about the scholarship.
DSL’s Annual Tour Brings Theatre to Thousands
At Drama Studio London, our annual festive tour was a cherished tradition, bringing holiday cheer and live theatre to local schools and organisations. This year, we were thrilled to perform seven fantastic shows: Bees Knees, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Christmas Memory, Cinderella, Treasure Island, Beauty and the Beast, and Dick Whittington. Across fourteen venues, we reached thousands of children and families, offering many their first taste of live theatre.
The 2024 festive tour provided our students with a unique opportunity to perform in a variety of spaces. They worked with stage management to ensure all props, sets, and costumes were in order, often performing multiple times a day – building their physical and vocal stamina. For many, it was one of their most rewarding experiences at DSL.
With the rising costs of theatre trips and cuts to educational funding, many schools are unable to offer experiences like ours. Our tour played a vital role in connecting the community with the arts, bringing joy and inspiration to all.
The staff and students at Coston Primary School said they loved the vibrant costumes and quick-change routines of Bees Knees. As Year 6 student Tymon shared, ‘I thought it was very good and a lot better than other theatre plays. My favourite part was when the wasps came along!’
As well as schools, our shows also toured to care settings and organisations around our West London base. If you’d like us to visit you this year, we’d love to hear from you!
Introducing the Foundation Diploma
We recently announced a new course at Drama Studio London for 2025 entry: the Foundation Diploma in Performance (Cert HE)*. This course serves as an excellent introduction to professional acting, offering participants an insight into all aspects of our training, preparing them for further study in performing.
The Foundation Diploma provides a comprehensive foundation in acting, voice, movement, and stagecraft. Students have the opportunity to develop essential performance skills through practical training, workshops, and performances in a supportive environment.
Subject to validation by the University of West London, this course is set to help aspiring actors build the confidence and expertise to take their next steps in the world of theatre and performance.
Laura Harding Honoured with Doctorate
Freelance director and former Drama Studio London student, Laura Harding, was awarded a Doctor of Letters by the University of West London in recognition of her exceptional contributions to theatre accessibility. Laura’s work, which also earned her a British Empire Medal, has opened the arts to a wider audience, ensuring people from all walks of life can experience and enjoy theatre.
Laura’s impressive career began as an actor in TV and film, with notable roles in Gosford Park, My Family, and Silent Witness. Her passion for theatre led her to establish The Dot Collective, a charity that takes professional productions to residential care homes and community spaces, making theatre accessible to those who can’t easily travel to venues.
Since 2016, Laura has produced over 14 productions, including A Map to You (2021) and One Hundred Trillion (Southwark Playhouse, 2018). In addition, she’s been an advocate for inclusive theatre, directing and educating students at Drama Studio London since 2021.
Emma Lucia Hands, Director of Drama Studio London, was proud to present Laura with this prestigious honour at last year’s Ceremony. Learn more about Laura’s inspiring work and the award.
Celebrating the Class of 2024
A huge congratulations to our exceptional 2024 graduates, who proudly received their University of West London degrees on Wednesday, 5th December 2024, at the iconic Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. This joyous occasion celebrated well-deserved first-class honours and a remarkable total of 90 degrees awarded across our three cohorts.
This milestone marks the culmination of an unforgettable journey for this talented, driven, and supportive group, recognising their unwavering dedication and hard work throughout their time with us.
With 34 Master of Arts diplomas, 17 Master of Fine Arts diplomas, 2 postgraduate diplomas, and 37 Bachelor of Arts (Hons) diplomas awarded, we eagerly anticipate following their next steps in the industry and beyond. Their future is bright, and we look forward to hearing about the incredible paths they forge ahead.
We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a very happy start to the year and hope 2025 brings you everything you wish for. Stay connected with us for all the latest updates on Instagram and Facebook.