Film role for boy who beat the odds
AN AUTISTIC boy who has overcome his difficulties to become an aspiring actor has starred in a film that raises awareness of the condition
Anthony Fosbrook, 12, of Bridgehall, features in Twin Brothers Worlds Apart - a 20-minute drama that had its red carpet premiere last week. He has been diagnosed with OCD and tourettes, which left him struggling at school and reluctant to actively participate in the classroom.
But when mum Jane Burgess took the decision to home educate him after year five, Anthony’s confidence grew. He then joined a drama group and has not looked back since.
Jane said: “The premiere was a great success and the film was exceptionally moving.
“It has had the support of celebrities, including Denise Welch who sent a good luck video.
“Anthony felt very honoured and proud to have been a part of this film. It is now going to be entered into film festivals around the world.
“More should be done to understand people with autism and aspergers, they just all tend to be put under the same umbrella. The main aim of the film is to address this.”
The film is an adaptation of an autobiographical book by autism campaigner Kevin Healey, who has the condition but was only diagnosed in his 20s.
Anthony plays the role of Sean, Kevin’s mute brother, after impressing in an audition where he had to communicate how he was feeling non-verbally.
He has always been interested in acting but only took it further after gaining the confidence to go to a drama group for home educated children.
Now Anthony, who has a brother and two sisters, would like to pursue a career in film and on stage.
Jane, 45, said: “Sean’s is a difficult part as it is nonverbal and Anthony has to use noises and body language to communicate and get his message across to the audience.
“I had always wanted to home educate him, there are a lot of distractions in the classroom and an hour one-to-one is the equivalent to four hours at school.
“It really helped, at school he didn’t have confidence and didn’t want to stand up and speak. A year later he joined a drama group.
“For him to star in a film, or even audition in front of strangers, makes me so proud.”