1 Feb 2012
"Stunning performance" brings Louise National theatre award

Paston A-level student, Louise Waller, whose performance in the Little Theatre's production of Roots in October, has already attracted great reviews, has won a prestigious national youth drama award. 
 
Louise,17 from Aylsham, a member of the Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society [CASODS], won the award for her stunning portrayal of Beattie in play by Sir Arnold Wesker. 
 
Her award is made by NODA (the National Operatic and Drama Association) and Louis will be presented with the award at a ceremony to be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Stansted Airport on Sunday 29 April 2012. 
 
Louise's performance received a highly positive review in the EDP by Richard Batson. 
''The central role of Beatie, is played stunningly well by 17-year, drama student Louise Waller" he wrote "She confidently captures her blend of bucolic simplicity and big city spark igniting a desire to break free from the chains of her roots, and to live life rather than just exist. This is a talent to watch out for on the bigger stage in years to come'. 
 
Further praise came in Susan Duport's review of Louise's performance for NODA. 
'what a performance, a true tour de force, hardly off stage and so much dialogue, thoughts, emotions and life to portray in her relationships with family and what she hopes for in her future, this was a truly memorable performance: certainly the final speech could be used as audition material for stage school'. 
 
Louise a member Paston's nationally acclaimed Far East Theatre took the role of the Duchess in the company's production of As you like it in December. Louise is studying A-levels in Drama and Theatre, English Literature and Sociology at Paston and achieved 2 As and two Bs in her AS examinations last Summer. She aims to go onto drama school after leaving Paston. This awards and the positive reviews she already has will be a great help to her in fulfilling this ambition. 
 
"We're all very proud of Louise" says Paston's Principal Peter Mayne. "She manages to  
to combine her academic studies with her love of the theatre and excels in all she sets out to achieve". 
 
Our photograph taken shows Louise in the role of the Duchess in Paston's Far East Theatre production of "As you like" in December. Photo Georgina Harrod.

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