Acting icon Gary Oldman inspires the next generation of actors from York Theatre Royal's Youth Theatre

Last week (Thu 15 May), around 40 aspiring young actors from York Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre programme had a very special visit from Academy Award winning actor Gary Oldman.

The young people all aged between 11–18 years old had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the actor, hear him talk about his acting experiences and ask him some questions about his career.

Gary Oldman started his professional career at York Theatre Royal in 1979 and returned over 40 years later to support local theatre by performing in Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape. The show which ran from 14 Apr to 17 May was sold out across all performances, bringing more than 18,000 people to the theatre.

Talking about his decision to return to York Theatre Royal with a production of Krapp’s Last Tape, Gary Oldman said “without a local theatre, young people will never get the chance to see theatre. And we need young people if theatre is to thrive. I hope this production of Krapp’s Last Tape whets the appetite, giving those new to the theatre a completely revelatory experience. And who knows? It may encourage them to visit the theatre again. And again. They may even invite a friend. And hopefully a devoted theatregoer or two will emerge.”

Gary Oldman’s screen appearances include Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour – for which he received the 2018 Academy Award as the Best Actor, the BAFTA Award as Best Actor, and also the Golden Globe, SAG Award and the Palm Desert Award, among many others; Sirius Black in the Harry Potter franchise, Commissioner Jim Gordon in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises. Currently he is appearing in the hugely acclaimed hit Apple TV+ series, Slow Horses.

Sophie Jade Howell, Head of Youth Theatre at York Theatre Royal said, “Meeting Gary Oldman was such a wonderful opportunity for the young people in our youth theatre. They were absolutely delighted to have this chance to hear such interesting insights and behind the scenes stories from an iconic actor who has so much experience. Everyone had such a brilliant afternoon and left feeling so inspired!”

York Theatre Royal Youth Theatre offers opportunities for young people aged between 5-19 years old to get involved in fun weekly drama sessions. Aiming to improve confidence, develop performance and team-building skills, the sessions are run both at York Theatre Royal and at venues across the city. The Summer term has just begun – further details about the Autumn term will be announced across the York Theatre Royal social media channels and newsletter over the coming months.

Find out more information about our Youth Theatre here.

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