Success for Bury College Performing Arts Students

Date published: 24 December 2011

Many Performing Arts students from Bury College have progressed on to successful careers in industry. Former students Holly Rostron and Paul Michael Jones have both gained parts in national theatre productions that have toured in Manchester.

Holly achieved a Triple Distinction Diploma in Performing Arts (Dance) and recently performed in the show ‘Top Hat’ at the Lowry Theatre. Former student Paul Michael Jones became the first former students to perform on the West End in London, gaining a part in ‘Mama Mia’ as a dancer. Paul is starring as dancer Johnny Castle in the first ever UK tour of the hit musical ‘Dirty Dancing’, which is currently playing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.

Paul said: “My time at Bury collage was one of the best two years of my life, I still have friends from my year that I see and speak to regularly. The BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts I studied stood me in good stead for the rest of my career. I wouldn't have got to train at the theatre college in London without the help and tuition from the great tutors at Bury College. Jools especially was a great teacher and friend to me, giving me all the advice and guidance I needed to succeed in the business.

My first professional job was in the show 'Fame' as dance captain, then ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Never Forget’, ‘Mamma Mia’ playing the part of Eddie, and I am now playing the role of Johnny Castle in the first national tour of Dirty Dancing. This role has been a great challenge for me but I love every minute of it and what better than the tour to come to my home town for Christmas. ‘Dirty Dancing’ is playing at the Palace Theatre in Manchester till the 7th January.”

Tutor Jools Beech said: “Paul was instantly recognisable as an exceptional performer. He always had wonderful stage presence and oozes charisma both on and off stage and has grown into a highly focussed, deeply principled professional. Holly was also a highly motivated and driven student. She is an inspiring example and a positive role model for her peers. I am very proud of them both.”

Other recent student successes include Georgia May Foote who is currently starring as Katy Armstrong in ‘Coronation Street’ and Gary Damer who has a part in BBC children’s comedy drama, ‘Hotel Trubble’. Former student Brian Hook has also recently been nominated for London Evening Standard Award for Best Musical for his production ‘Woody’.