Express & Star

Wolverhampton actress in running for industry gong

A actress from the Black Country has been wowing audiences in a leading heroine’s role at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

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Anya Chalotra (centre) as Hero at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Photograph by Tristram Kenton.

And 21-year-old Anya Chalotra, who is from Wolverhampton, has now been nominated for a top industry award.

The former St Dominic’s Brewood pupil, who grew up in Lower Penn, has been cast as Hero min the production of Much Ado About Nothing currently running at London's Globe, directed by Matthew Dunster.

Her performances have earned her a place on the shortlist for the Best Actress in a Play gong at the The Stage Debut Awards.

Anya, said: "I was incredibly excited to work with Matthew on such a wonderful play.

“I’m loving every second of being in ‘Much Ado’. I’ve not read the reviews but the audience feedback has been so supportive. It’s such a joyous show.”

Anya's talent was developed as a pupil at St Dominic’s Brewood, which this year became St Dominic’s Grammar School and has introduced the 11-plus exam for its preparatory pupils.

She worked with Carol Molin, the school’s head of expressive arts, and starred on stage in many of the school's productions.

After leaving St Dominic’s sixth form, with Theatre Studies among her three A Levels, Anya trained first at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and then at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

Mrs Molin, said: “Hero is a huge role in this prestigious Shakespeare production and it is a stunning achievement for Anya, straight out of drama school and at an amazing venue."

Anya, added: “Acting encouraged me to be brave and gave me confidence to trust myself.

“We did a musical every year at St Dominic’s. Mrs Molin was a huge support to me and always encouraged me in acting. I am still in touch with her.”

Anya’s current role as Hero, the sweet daughter of Leonato, sees her jilted at the altar by her soldier fiancé Claudio, who has been told a lie that she has been unfaithful.

After many twists and turns though, the play has a happy ending.

Dominic Maxwell, reviewing the play in The Times, said Anya was an “excellent” Hero, while in The Stage newspaper she was described as 'appealing'.

The Stage Debut awards ceremony is being held on Sunday.