From classroom to centre stage. This is the path we help our students carve out after they’ve sat our accredited acting courses.
These courses are typically designed to give you quality training. They help you build contacts and make friendships that serve you well in future. And given our large alumni network, we tell our students that the chances of working with someone who also trained in our John Lyons Theatre are pretty high.
And we weren’t lying. Exhibit A: former students Andrew Dixon and Will Chappell, who are set to star in upcoming play In the Mat together at Chiswick’s Tabard Theatre. The play will run next week, from Tuesday the 25th to Saturday 29th March. Tickets are available to buy online.
In the Mat
Inspired from director Tony Traxler’s own experiences as a hair stylist, In the Mat, refers to the back combing of knot of hair. Centred on a beauty college, the story is also a metaphor for the relationship between a brother and sister. It deals with the importance of communication and flexibility in family relationships.
As is Traxler’s style, although the story is based in reality, it is dramatised. It’s exaggerated to bring out the ridiculous nature of people. But it’s a style that clearly works.
“The world Tony Traxler has built is colourful and rich and each of my characters adds a colour to the palette,” said City Lit student Andrew Dixon. He’ll be playing the role of three characters, flipping between accents, from Yorkshire sheep farmer to eccentric Italian.
“Each character is distinctly unique and have led very different lives,” he explained. “It's a joy to be given the creative freedom to explore and tell this funny, yet deep story.”
Handling many roles at once is not something new to Andrew. As well as performing in In the Mat, he’s balancing his time performing in the West End show YouMeBumBumTrain and auditioning for future roles.
‘He risks all’
One of the central characters in In the Mat, Trevor Hayes, is played by former City Lit acting student Will Chappell.
“He’s a man desperate to find his place outside the home he has ever known,” he explained. “He risks all, including his relationship with his only remaining family, his older sister.”
He continued, “I enjoy connecting with parts such as this. There's wonderful discovery in finding how a character resonates with myself and the audience.”
It’s not the first time that Will has worked with director Tony Traxler, having previously performed in Traxler’s play Tramonto in 2023. He also continues to work closely with City Lit, assisting with the City Lit Theatre Company's production of A Vampire Story, by Moira Buffini.
But Will might soon be swapping the actor’s dressing room for the director’s chair. “I want to make theatre of my own,” he told us.
“I grew up watching devised physical theatre; I want to share that form and develop my style. The only difference between fear and excitement is perspective.”
Ready for the stage
Tony Traxler has worked regularly with City Lit students when casting for productions. “I go to City Lit to look for talent because I know they’re well trained and vetted by [Acting Foundation Programme Manager] Vernon Thompson,” he told us. “There is no time wasted. They’re ready to handle the stage.”
This was echoed by the former students. “City Lit offers a space for actors to receive training from professionals,” said Andrew Dixon. “The attention given to each student is intensive and equal to all who choose to attend.”
Will Chappell added, “City Lit provides space to learn and explore. Through openness and receptiveness, I benefitted from the expertise that tutors brought to class.”
All we’ve got left to say is break a leg Andrew and Will!
Study Acting at City Lit
Destined for the stage yourself? Have a look at our full list of acting courses, from beginner to accredited today.
