A BUDDING young actor has a memorable summer lined up after clinching a place with the National Youth Theatre.
Chris Tomlinson is the first pupil from Gillbrook College, South Bank, to gain a coveted place at an NYT summer school.
It means that 16-year-old Chris stays on the NYT’s books until he’s 21, allowing him to audition for roles in its productions.
Chris, of Normanby, was among more than 4,000 young thespians competing for a summer school place, with just 750 chosen.
Chris said: “It was nerve wracking, but once I got into it, things went OK. I didn’t think I’d get in so when I saw the thick envelope that had come through the letterbox, I was ecstatic.
“I’m quite nervous about it but hopefully, I’ll get down there and it will be all right.�
Chris is on the verge of leaving Gillbrook after taking his exams, but he’ll return before the end of term to take part in a production of The Government Inspector.
Gillbrook’s head of drama, Alan Widdrington, said: “What Chris has, which you very rarely see in young actors, is a tremendous stage presence. When he comes on stage, he commands interest.
“We’re enormously proud both for Chris as a person, and because it shows what Gillbrook pupils can achieve when they fix their minds on something.�
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Congratulations Chris! But this ex Gillbrook pupil beat you to the NYT in 1978 and 1979! Jane Ainger
congrats Chris!! wow! i always knew you were a great actor, spesh in our drama lessons, but jeez louise!! lmao. you probs wont remember me, as you didnt really know i existed, but i used 2 fancy you 4 3 years lol. good luck 4 ur future, n make it a good one!! Joanne Pullen.