THE curtain has risen for four stage-struck Kendal students after they landed places on prestigious drama courses.

The quartet, who honed their performing skills while members of the Brewery Young Actors’ Company, are a step nearer making the stage their profession after impressing audition panels around the country.

Natalie Morgan, 18, will study for a physical theatre degree at East 15 acting school in London while Chloe Bryde, 19, will read art event performance at Leeds Metropolitan University and Sarah Brett, 22, and Joe Greenwood, 20, will both undertake acting degrees at the The Arden School, Manchester.

Natalie, who lives at Kendal Parks, Kendal, and is a former pupil of Kirkbie Kendal School, said: “I can’t wait to go to East 15. I’m so excited.”

She began learning drama when as a nine-year-old she joined the Brewery Youth Theatre. When she was 17 she joined the actors’ company and, like her fellow students, benefited from the guidance of Brewery drama tutor Tricia Gordon.

“Tricia is absolutely fantastic,” said Natalie. “I can’t thank her enough for all the help and support. She helped me build my confidence and guided us all with our audition pieces. She was amazing.”

Sarah said: “Getting accepted at The Arden is really exciting. It’s something I have wanted to do for ages. I feel with having a few extra years’ experience working with the professional theatre at the Brewery it is now the right time to do this. When I was offered the chance I thought if I don’t do it now I never will.”

Ms Gordon said: “I’m so proud of the four of them and feel privileged to have worked with them for the last few years.”

During their time at the Brewery all four were invited to perform at the National Youth Theatre.

“Sarah and Joe have both performed at the National twice and the others once,” added Ms Gordon.