AN OKEHAMPTON student will be treading the boards at the famed Hackney Empire next month, as part of a National Youth Theatre production of Henry V. Joshua Grant, 19, has been a member of the National Youth Theatre for two years. He headed off to London this week to begin rehearsals for the upcoming production, which draws on young people from across the country for production, costume, stage management and cast. Joshua is looking forward to the chance to perform at the refurbished grand Victorian venue. The National Youth Theatre has a packed programme this year, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. The theatre presented Shakespeare?s Henry V as its first ever production in 1956 and so has decided to re-stage the play. Already this year, Joshua has appeared in a NYT ensemble performance at St James Palace as part of the anniversary celebrations. Next month, Joshua will be among 2,000 performers in Trafalgar Square taking part in an open air extravaganza called God Save The Teen, celebrating youth culture. Joshua auditioned for and was awarded the place in the National Youth Theatre in 2004. Over the years, the Theatre has provided a springboard for talents such as David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Orlando Bloom and Daniel Craig. Joshua has just completed his first year of studying law at Westminster University. He was sixth form president and head boy at Okehampton College, where he completed A-levels in drama, history and English. His mother Anthea said Joshua ?had always been very interested in theatre? ever since going to see a Christmas pantomime at the Northcott Theatre in Exeter when he was a pupil at Okehampton Primary School. He also did his work experience at the Northcott Theatre. Joshua has already had one audition for RADA and is considering making applications to a number of drama schools.
