Actress Gilly Tompkins, visits Performing Arts students

Actress Gilly Thompkins (Heartbeat, EastEnders, Birds of a Feather) visited Brockenhurst College this week to meet our first year Performing Arts students.

Gilly received a very warm reception from the students, who were impressed with her enthusiasm and knowledge. She went through a variety of warm-up techniques, spoke in detail about contemporary drama and ended with a question and answer session.

The students have been studying the work of English dramatist and BAFTA winner John Godber, who is now the third most performed playwright since William Shakespeare.

His 1985 production,Teechers, starred Gilly Thompkins as one of the lead characters, Gail.

Student Holly Roberts said: “I really enjoyed the time we spent with Gilly. The experience really helped me expand my knowledge and prepare myself for my practical exam”.

Student Alida Stoman added: “Gilly’s enthusiasm was so contagious and very inspiring. The workshop has opened my eyes to the Godber-style of acting”.

Gilly, who last visited the College seven years ago, commented: “The students are brilliant. I am particularly impressed with their strong ability to improvise.”