On May 15th, approximately 40 aspiring actors from the York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre Program had the incredible opportunity to meet Academy Award-winning actor Gary Oldman.
The participants, aged 11 to 18, engaged in a memorable session where Oldman shared insights from his illustrious career and answered their questions about the acting profession.
Oldman’s journey in acting began at York Theatre Royal in 1979, and he returned more than 40 years later to support the local arts by performing in Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape. The production, which ran from April 14 to May 17, enjoyed sold-out performances, drawing over 18,000 visitors to the theatre.
Reflecting on his return, Oldman emphasized the importance of local theatre, stating, “Without a local theatre, young people will never get the chance to experience it. We need the youth for theatre to thrive. I hope Krapp’s Last Tape ignites their interest, providing a transformative experience that encourages them to return—and perhaps bring friends along. Who knows? We might even inspire a few dedicated theatre-goers.”
Oldman’s notable film roles include Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour, for which he won the 2018 Academy Award for Best Actor, as well as receiving a BAFTA, Golden Globe, SAG Award, and many others. He is also recognized for his roles as Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series and Commissioner Jim Gordon in the Dark Knight trilogy. Currently, he stars in the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Slow Horses.
Sophie Jade Howell, Head of Youth Theatre at York Theatre Royal, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Meeting Gary Oldman was a fantastic experience for our young actors. They were thrilled to hear his fascinating stories and insights from someone with such a wealth of experience. Everyone left feeling inspired!”
York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre provides engaging drama sessions for young people aged 5 to 19, aimed at boosting confidence and developing performance and team-building skills. These sessions are held both at York Theatre Royal and various venues across the city. The summer term has just started, and details for the autumn term will be announced soon through York Theatre Royal’s social media channels and newsletter.
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