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REVIEW: Former acting student stars in ‘The Wipers Times’

December 1, 2017

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On Saturday 25 November HSDC Acting lecturer Sally Barlow went to enjoy a show at the Chichester Festival Theatre starring one of our very own own ex students. This is what she thought of Kevin Brewer and his starring role in The Wipers Times…

On Saturday night I had the pleasure of going to The Chichester Festival Theatre to watch our ex Level 2 & 3 Acting student Kevin Brewer in The Wipers Times.
The play by Ian Hislop and Nick Newman tells the true and extraordinary story of the satirical newspaper created in the mud and mayhem of the Somme. Following a West End run and a sell-out tour, the final show played to a packed house on Saturday, and our very own Kevin Brewer gave an excellent performance as Henderson; combining humour and pathos, reminiscent of a young Ronnie Barker.
I caught up with Kevin after the show and asked how he felt his training at Havant & South Downs College had contributed to his success, this is what he had to say:
 
“The Level 2 gave me a solid foundation in which to practice my craft, without any previous experience, just passion and an open mind. The teaching was fantastic allowing my confidence to grow and cement in my mind this is a career I desperately wanted to pursue.
“When I went on to Level 3 I knew this was the first step to becoming a professional actor. It introduced me to the workings and practice of a professional acting environment. The units covered a broad spectrum of acting techniques, genres and practitioners which put my head above the rest when it came to auditioning for drama school.
 
“After leaving College, I did my research and listened to advice from the teachers at the College and decided that LAMDA (the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) was the place for me. I managed to get in on my third attempt but learnt so much from the two previous auditions, so my advice for any young actors would be, if that’s what you want to do you will get there in the end
 
“Lamda was an incredible experience, pushing you to do things you didn’t think possible, but as I mention before I had a cheeky head start from College! In your final year you do a series of show cases which agents are invited to, with the hope being they will offer you a place at their agency. I was very fortunate and signed with a fantastic agent who not only represents great people but also has my best interests at heart, something you have to keep I mind in your third year. 
 
“Just before leaving Lamda, I managed to get a part in The Wipers Times, which has been an amazing first job! I’ve toured the country at some of the top theatres and made my West End debut. Also because of this play, I landed a part in a film being released next year, The Good Soldier Schwejk.
 
“I have had a wonderful start to my career, but it all really started at the College. The technical training, confidence building and passionate ethos really is unique, without the foundation of that teaching I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
To find out more about what we can offer you in our Acting and Drama courses, click here.