Success for two young Arran actors

Arran is an amazing place. And one of the many amazing aspects is how truly talented young people often emerge in all areas of life. This summer two young people, known to many of us for their marvellous theatrical performances, will begin their theatre careers by studying at two of the most prestigious schools of drama in Britain. Katharine O’Donnelly has a place at The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, whilst Christopher Jenks will be going to The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

It is extremely difficult it is to get a place at the best schools of drama in Britain. Both Katharine and Chris faced competition from thousands of other entrants and underwent gruelling audition stages in order to be considered. To have come through all this and be offered a place is a real achievement and a testament to their talent and also to their fortitude, determination, hard work and resilience.

Arran should be proud that it could provide a stimulus for two such talented young people, through school productions such as Oliver, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Wizard of Oz and The Importance of Being Ernest. Both were also members of Lamlash Junior Drama group over several years and gave performances with the McLellan Arts Festival.

Of course, both Chris and Katharine gained important experience off-island, which furthered their ambitions and enabled them to compete with the best in the land. This included the Scottish Youth Theatre, National Youth Theatre and various courses in stagecraft run by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. But Arran provided the start, and Arran is now very proud of Katharine and Chris, They have achieved much, and we wish them every success in the future.