Ellie’s on her way to National Youth Theatre

Bispham High School student Ellie Drake is thrilled to have been given a £500 lift to her acting ambitions through support from West Lancashire Freemasons.  Sixteen year old Ellie is the only young person on the Fylde Coast to have been successful in securing a position within The National Youth Theatre.  Bispham High School - Arts College specialises in Performing Arts and had played a significant role in supporting and guiding Ellie to this stage in her life.  Over 4,300 auditions were held at 32 venues across the country for a limited number of places.

John Topping, Deputy Headteacher said : ‘When I heard that Ellie needed £1000 initially to get on the residential course during August 2010 I immediately put an application in to the West Lancashire Freemasons Charity and stressed the Youth Opportunities dimension that would benefit Ellie.  I asked for £500 and we got the full amount.  I am confident that Ellie will give regular feedback and hopefully an ‘Ellie’s Blog’ will feature on our various websites’.

Ellie said : ‘I am most grateful to the Freemasons for their generous support and I look forward to raising the additional amount through various fund-raising events’.

Photo - Ellie (second from left) practising her Shakespearian Hamlet  with (Left to Right) - Terry Hudson, Assistant Provincial Grand Master, Ellie Drake, Mark Oliver, Course Director for Drama, John Topping, Deputy Headteacher