Great acting break for Shropshire's Joseph
A talented student has fought off strong competition to be accepted into the country's top youth theatre.
Joseph Jameson will work with The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain this summer.
The 17-year-old, who studies at Ellesmere College, will join the theatre's three-week training course in London, where students are taught skills and acting techniques by professionals.
Joseph, who is also a member of the Scottish Youth Theatre, will also work on a number of theatre projects which will culminate in a final performance.
He said he was delighted to have earned a place on the training course.
He said: "Becoming accepted as a member of the National Youth Theatre is a much coveted prize for any drama student.
"It is a marvellous platform for young actors and a number of established British performers have gained early experience in their productions."
Joseph has been selected from 5,000 applicants from all over Great Britain and Northern Ireland who auditioned, and only 500 students were selected for the summer programme.
He is now able to audition for any of its productions, which are staged in London's West End.
Rachel Schubert, head of drama at Ellesmere College, said: "This is wonderful news.
"We encourage students to audition for the National Youth Theatre every year and it is fantastic to see Jo's hard work rewarded like this.
"Acting is a demanding and competitive industry, but this success will significantly aid Jo with his acting ambitions."
The National Youth Theatre launched the careers of some of Britain's biggest stars, including Dame Helen Mirren, Colin Firth and Jude Law.
Doctor who's Matt Smith honed his acting skills there, and it was where David Walliams and Matt Lucas of Little Britain fame met.
