A DRAMA student from Hook has taken centre stage at a prestigious drama festival.

Emma Denly, who is studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), played her part in the Sam Wanamaker Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. She was among just 38 students from 19 drama schools invited to this prestigious event for young talent.

Emma, 25, grew up in Hook, attending the village infant and junior schools, and the theatrical venue is special to her. She said: “I saw my first ever play at the Globe. I’ve always loved Shakespeare. I’m a total nerd, and studied the pants off him at university."

The aspiring actress is hoping to push the boundaries of the roles women portray.

“Any plays or films or television with well-written women are what interest me," she said. "I find it frustrating when women are written as ‘the wife’ or ‘the mother-in-law - archetypes have a time and a place, but the more stories with proper women at their centre, the better. We’ve got some catching up to do!

“I am due to graduate from RADA this July. It has been really comprehensive, world-class training.

“Next up we have our showcase to industry professionals, which should hopefully garner interest from casting directors and agents, who can help us find professional work.”

Emma is in illustrious company. Among those to appear at the Wanamaker Festival are Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spiderman) and the late, great Alan Rickman (Die Hard and Harry Potter).