COLLEGE NEWS: West End star leads performing arts workshops at Yeovil College

FORMER Yeovil College and Stanchester Academy student turned West End star, Jonny Purchase, returns to the college this year as a guest lecturer in Performing Arts.

The first workshop on Monday (November 26 2016) covered storytelling, from tuning-in to character definition and included activities to look at physicality and improvisation.

Jonny was also able to unveil a new studio space that is available for the performing arts students on site at Yeovil College.

“The course I studied at Yeovil College was the next stepping stone to get me to where I wanted to be in the future,” he said.

“It gave me a great understanding of performing, not just onstage, but backstage as well. If you’ve got a tough skin and you’re talented, you’ll do well.”

PHOTO - TOP: West End star Jonny Purchase.

PHOTO - RIGHT: A workshop at Yeovil College.

Lucy Scott, performing arts dance lecturer at the college, said: “This has been another fantastic event with Jonny and the students get so much out of it.

“They’ve all learnt a lot about performing arts and working in an ensemble, too.  I’m already looking forward to the next session!”

Matt Hann, curriculum area manager, said: “Being able to offer our students experience like this is fantastic.

“Jonny has invaluable experience and tips that he is passing on to our students that gives this

programme a great point of difference and is great for performing arts in Somerset.”

Jonny Purchase is currently performing in the West End stage version of Les Miserables and was also in the  film adaptation of Les Miserables directed by Tom Hooper.

His other credits include the West End Glee Club at the Edinburgh Festival; Tonight’s The Night – BBC; Ensemble/Prince Percy – Sleeping Beauty – Hall For Cornwall; Prince Charming – Cinderella – Octagon Theatre Yeovil.

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