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Stardom beckons for Rada hopeful

Tom Rowley
21/ 2/2007

A GLOSSOP teenager is set to follow in the footsteps of Sir Anthony Hopkins, Jane Horrocks and Alan Rickman.

For Emily Harding has been accepted by the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA).

She starts at the famous London college in September on one of its technically-orientated courses involving production and stage management.

Emily has already shown signs of the persistence and initiative she will need in her chosen career, where long spells of unemployment or 'resting' between acting jobs is an occupational hazard.

Along with fellow classmate Charlie Deans, she was so impressed by the earthy play Scuffer at West Yorkshire Playhouse, she convinced her head of drama that their school should mount its own version.

Author Mark Catley attended drama workshops, saw the school production himself and highly praised the performance.

Emily, 18, said: "I am so excited to be going to RADA. I have always been passionate about theatre and I can't wait to work with leading industry professionals in London."

She is the first RADA success at her school - Withington Girls in Manchester - which has only offered A Level Drama for the last two years.

Head of drama Jen Baylis said: "We are all really excited. Emily's future looks bright and she can look forward to achieving great things in the industry.

"I am sure she will rise to the very top because she is fantastic and RADA has an excellent reputation."

Emily has already played leading roles in school productions including Charlotte Keatley's The First Pirate Queen and Clare Luckham's Trafford Tanzi.