STAGE SET FORSUCCESS

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Saturday 30th Jun 2001.

THREE drama students who attend the same Swindon-based acting school are set to find success on the national stage.

Linden Ogbourne, 18, from Old Town, Paul Shelford, 17, from Old Walcot and Sarah Coulson, 18, from Marlborough, all attend Swindon Young Actors.

Linden has won a place at the London Academy of Dramatic Art and Paul and Sarah have won places on prestigious National Youth Theatre courses.

Swindon Young Actors is the new drama school co-founded by Mark Flitton and Julia Dickinson.

Mark, a professional actor who has appeared in EastEnders, Casualty and countless other TV and theatre dramas, said: "Linden is very young to have got in and all three have done exceptionally well.

"It's nice to see Swindon producing such excellent talent for the future."

Linden's brother Tristan is in his second year at Lamda. Paul's brother Gary is still in the National Youth Theatre, and also went to Lamda.

Swindon actors Abby Gilding and James Bennet successfully went through National Youth Theatre courses last year.

Julia Dickinson said the National Youth Theatre was tough but a massive step forward.

"They work in a group with other youngsters from all over the UK, working towards a devised production," she said.

Swindon Young Actors was previously the Tanwood School of Dance and Drama, but was created as a separate entity to the Tanwood School of Dance, which still exists.

"We maintain strong links with Tanwood but we wanted to give drama its own identity," said Julia.

Swindon Young Actors has been running since May at the King William Street Primary School.

Another youngster from the drama school is Jack Bavistock who is appearing in the feature film Lone Club, in which he plays Harry, a pupil at a boys' public school.

Jack was one of the youngsters chosen to star in Lorna Doone which was televised last Christmas.

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