Hamilton Grammar pupils meet Hollywood A-list stars

Apr 23 2008 By Sandra Walls

HAMILTON Grammar drama pupils recently had a appointment with two Hollywood A-list stars.

The budding actors met Kevin Spacey and Jeff Goldblum during a recent school trip to London.

The lucky group of 40 pupils spoke to the stars after watching them perform in the play, ‘Speed the Plow’ on stage at the Old Vic.

Grammar drama teacher Graham Parry explained: “Our opportunity to meet the actors came about when I contacted the theatre and explained that we were bringing our drama students down to see the production and requested if they could offer us a backstage tour or some education-related extras.

“To be honest, I was chancing my arm to see what we would be offered if anything, but I was gob-smacked when they came back to me and said Kevin Spacey would meet with us privately to answer the students’ questions.”

The actors spent half an hour talking to the pupils, answering their questions, which ranged from enquiries about the performance the group had just seen to specific questions about how they developed a character for theatre and film. The stars also asked the students questions and, said Mr Parry, seemed genuinely interested in their drama experience and aspirations for the future.

Jeff Goldblum and Kevin Spacey also spent time posing for pictures with the group.

Pupil Grant Reid (15), from Whitehill, said: “We were so excited during the trip knowing that we were going to meet the two well-known actors.

“They were really great with us, and we asked them lots of questions on how to adopt different characteristics and accents for various roles.”

Grant’s school friend, Ross Mathieson (15), from Ashgill, added: “I enjoyed listening to the actors’ advice and how they decide to approach a character’s look and personality after reading a script, it was a great experience and it was an honour meeting the two Hollywood legends.”

Graham said: “Both the actors were enthusiastic and inspiring for the young people, we are so grateful to the theatre and Kevin Spacey and Jeff Goldblum for offering us this unforgettable experience — not just for the pupils but for the staff as well, which helped make this year's trip a huge success.”

Mr Parry said a trip to London has become a regular part of the school’s Performing Arts Faculty and is open to all pupils from S3-S6.

“It is an excellent opportunity for them to experience different forms of theatre but also promotes educational priorities such as citizenship, enterprise and life-long learning as well as the chance to visit some of the biggest tourist attractions in London.”

This year's trip also included the London Eye, a visit to Planet Hollywood, Madame Tussaud’s and London Dungeons, coach tours and shopping in Covent Garden.

STAR ATTRACTION: Kevin Spacey spent half-an-hour talking to the pupils and answering their questions.