TALENTED speaker and keen drama student, Danniella Pinkney, was given a personal behind-the-scenes tour at Leeds Playhouse after winning a special award.
Danniella, a Year 7 pupil, was presented with the Edith Atkinson Award for Most Promising Verse Speaker after coming first in a verse speaking competition at the Wharfedale Festival of Performing Arts (WFPA) this summer.
As part of her prize, 11-year-old Danniella was recently given a guided tour of Leeds Playhouse and watched rehearsals for its production of Charlie and The Chocolate Factory – The Musical, running until January 28.
She said: “It was such a great experience, meeting with the director and watching four different Charlies rehearse the same part. It’s incredible to see just how many people are involved backstage and how much equipment there is!”
Danniella, from New Farnley, has been heavily involved in drama for the last seven years, and has passed eight LAMDA examinations with distinction. She has also passed, with distinction, a further eight dance and singing exams with New Era Academy.
It was the third time Danniella had entered a verse speaking competition at the WFPA, an annual competitive festival of music and drama that runs in May and October. She came 3rd in 2017 and 2nd in 2018.
Danniella added: “I was so happy to win the verse speaking competition this year – to then be nominated for the Edith Atkinson Award, and win, was such a brilliant surprise.”
“I was so happy to win the verse speaking competition this year – to then be nominated for the Edith Atkinson Award, and win, was such a brilliant surprise.”
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