The Manchester School of Theatre
DURING the 1970s and 80s, Manchester School of Theatre earned an international reputation for training budding performers and actors. Local stars who studied there include David Threlfall, born in Crumpsall, Coronation Street’s Kevin Kennedy from Wythenshawe and Steve Coogan, born in Middleton.
In addition, Julie Walters, Sir Anthony Sher, Bernard Hill, presenter Matthew Kelly and Cold Feet veteran John Thompson are all graduates.
How well do you remember them? Why not test your knowledge in our weekly quiz and share your score with friends?
There are a host of showbiz photos and stories in Clive Hardy’s Around Manchester books from the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
They’re packed with memories and unmissable pictures from the MEN archive.
The books are on sale now for £14.99 including postage and packing.
Just go to inostalgia.co.uk or ring 01928 503 777 to place your order.
Answers are at the bottom of the page. 1. Blackley-born actor Bernard Hill played which role in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings movie trilogy?
A) Elrond
B) Aragorn
C) Theoden
2. Shakespearean actor Sir Anthony Sher, pictured, played Beatle Ringo Starr in Willy Russell’s 1974 musical John, Paul, George, Ringo and Bert – with Bernard Hill as John Lennon.
Which wellknown kno artist was the show’s singer and pianist?
Di
3. Celebrated ac actor Richard G Griffiths, Bernard H Hill’s classmate at Manchester School of
Theatre, played which character in the Harry Potter films?
A) Vernon Dursley
B) Argus Filch
C) Peter Pettigrew
4. David Threlfall went on to play Frank Gallagher in the Channel 4 series Shameless after graduating from the theatre school.
Which character did he portray in the 2007 movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age?
A) Sir Francis Drake
B) John Dee
C) Sir Francis Walsingham?
5. Which of these TV shows did actor and presenter Matthew Kelly not host?
A) You Bet
B) Stars in Their Eyes
C) Blankety Blank
6. Julie Walters met her future comedy co-star Victoria Wood when she was in Manchester.
She studied at the theatre school after working as a nurse for 18 months.
Who played Walters’ tutor Frank Bryant in the 1983 film Educating Rita?
A) Colin Firth
B) Michael Caine
C) Alfred Molina
7. Kevin Kennedy played Curly Watts in Coronation Street for 20 years after attending St Paul’s Catholic High School and Manchester School of Theatre.
Who played his wife on the Street - barmaid and model Racquel Wolstenhulme?
A) Sarah Lancashire
B) Sally Ann Matthews
C) Kathy Jamieson
8. Born in Prestwich and brought up in Bury, Victoria Wood made her first TV appearance on what talent show in 1974?
A) New Faces
B) Opportunity Knocks C) Search for a Star
9. Actress Amanda Burton studied at the theatre school before playing lead roles in the BBC crime drama Silent Witness and the school series Waterloo Road.
In which soap did she portray the character Heather Black?
A) Coronation Street
B) Emmerdale
C) Brookside
10. What was the name of the jazz club host Salford actor John Thomson played from 1994 to 2001 in the BBC sketch series The Fast Show? A) Louis Balfour
B) Swiss Toni
C) Arthur Atkinson
“I know this feels like a really weird time to be celebrating. But I just want to say that there is hope in the young people out there.”
Zendaya, who become the youngest actress to win the outstanding drama lead award at the Emmys