NOT every young actor who auditions for the National Youth Theatre can be guaranteed a place. In fact, out of the 3,000 to 4,000 applications annually, only 180 of the best get t go on the prestigious summer drama course.

One of the successful applicants is Rachel Wilcock, from Letterbreen, who is finishing her A Level examinations at the Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School this month.

Rachel will be well known to theatre going audiences in Fermanagh having taken the lead role in Enniskillen Light Operatic’s production of The SOund of Music last Christmas. She has also taken leading parts in musicals at school playing the lead, Bill Snibson in Me and My Girl in 1999 and taking a major part in the school’s previous musical, Hello Dolly.

Rachel has shown he commitment to drama in helping backstage during two of Enniskillen Amateur Dramatic Society’s annual productions. She was a key member of the backstage crew during the performances of Fallen Angels and Stepping Out. The local drama society have given her a cheque of £250 to help her on the course.

It was back in April that Rachel auditioned for the course at Queen’s University, Belfast. She heard she had been successful at the beginning of this month. The three week training course could lead the way to Rachel being able to take part in their future summer productions.