The world’s a stage for Annette

By Clearing

Striding down the streets of Greece in a mask, and playing both Shakespearean heroines and characters from the brothers Grimm. Annette Elstob has enjoyed these and more theatrical adventures as part of her Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts.

Annette’s artistic voyage is set to continue, as she has clinched a place at the famous Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London. Former Italia Conti students include Gertrude Lawrence, Noel Coward, Charles Hawtrey, Leslie Phillips, and actress Martine McCutcheon.

Annette, 20, from Hartlepool, has beaten off 2,000 other hopefuls to gain a place on the Academy’s BA (Hons) Acting course. At the end of the three-year degree, Annette hopes to follow in the footsteps of her heroine Judi Dench, by treading the boards with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Annette said: “I first decided to become an actress when I was 16. My Drama teacher at Manor College of Technology, Jo Parlby was a real inspiration. She really pushed me; I had a Billy Elliot moment!

“I first auditioned for theatre schools when I was 18 and told I was too young and to get some life experience. The HND has been a really good bridge to the Italia Conti; I’ve learned how to be patient and independent. The course also has really good tutors, one of them; Gordon Duffy-McGhie is a professionally trained actor and gave me so much encouragement and advice.”

During the course, Annette and her fellow students toured North-East primary Schools, portraying tales from the Brothers Grimm. They also took part in a masked outdoor production of a play by French playwright Camus, on the streets of Skiathos in Greece.

Annette said: “I was really hot in my costume, where I played a Tormentor. We got a mixed reaction from some of the locals on the streets! I love acting, the balance between nerves and enjoying yourself. If you know you’ve performed the role to the best you can do, you really appreciate the audience’s applause.”

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