Drama here at Redmaids' High has progressed from the stage to the screen, with two of our students securing professional acting roles.

Former Head Girl and recent Year 13 leaver Niki (pictured right) stars in Blinded by the Light, which is currently showing in cinemas across the country. Directed by Gurinder Chadha (of Bend it like Beckham fame), the film features a Muslim family and considers racism in the 1980s with Niki playing the part of 17 year old Shazir.

The film comes highly recommended by the many staff and students who have seen it, with many of them commenting on how delighted they were that Niki had such a big part.  

Niki herself described the filming experience as ‘crazy’, but said, “Gurinder was a really supportive director which helped a lot, as did my experience of working with the National Youth Theatre.”

Meanwhile, Mollie in Year 13 is currently appearing in ITV’s production of Jane Austen’s Sanditon, which came about after our Head of Drama, Ms McCormack, was contacted by casting agent Sarah Counsell, with details of an open casting call for teenage actors from Bristol.

As Ms McCormack said, “We have a wealth of acting talent here, which we really nurture and develop, and that allows us to stage school productions of an exceptionally high standard.

“Securing professional work is a natural next step for some of our students.”

Sanditon is airing on Sunday nights at 9pm on ITV, and is also available on the ITV Hub. Blinded by the Light is currently in cinemas nationwide.