Acclaimed local writer and former alumnus visits Newcastle College.

On Friday 30 November 2018, Performing Arts students from Newcastle College, part of Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) got the opportunity to meet acclaimed playwright, Frazer Flintham.

Former Newcastle College alumnus Frazer, attended the College’s state-of-the-art Performing Arts Centre for a Q&A session led by students aiming to draw inspiration from a local writer who has gone on to achieve national success.

Over 50 students from a variety of performing arts disciplines gathered in the College’s theatre for a lively and informative Q&A session with questions including; ‘how do you seek out inspiration for a project?’, ‘what advice would you give to someone trying to break into the industry’ and ‘how do you overcome writer’s block?’.

At the end of the session, in true Hollywood style, Performing Arts Centre Manager, Tina McDonald unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark Frazer’s visit. The plaque will take pride of place on the Centre’s ‘Wall of Fame’, already adorned with plaques commemorating previous high profile visitors including Merlin and iZombie actor Bradley James and Stereophonics drummer, James Morrison.

Stone-born Frazer, began his career as an actor before turning to writing and quickly went on to great success. Commissioned numerous times by the BBC for both TV and Radio productions, his TV pilot ‘The Ladder’ won the C21 Screenwriting Award for Best Pilot for an International Drama Series in 2015. Frazer has also worked in numerous theatres across the country, with his stage play ‘The Life of Stancliffe Riley’ receiving a Judge’s Commendation at the 2017 Verity Bargate Awards. His most recent work, ‘Astley’s Outstanding Adventures’ was commissioned by the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-under-Lyme to mark 250 years of the Circus by dramatising the story of the father of the modern circus, local born Philip Astley and his journey from humble beginnings to becoming an international impresario.

On his visit to Newcastle College, Frazer said: “It was fantastic to come back to Newcastle College and pass on my experiences of the industry and my journey to becoming a writer. The students were a real credit to the College, asking some truly insightful questions about the Performing Arts industry. It is always nice to be recognised for your work, and being presented with my very own star was a wonderful way to end a great afternoon.”

Tina McDonald said: “We were delighted that Frazer was able to take time out of his busy schedule to travel up from London and share his industry experience with students looking to take their first steps on their journey towards a career in Performing Arts. It is great for current students to hear about Frazer’s journey from leaving Newcastle College to forging a successful career in the industry. We have so many talented students at the College and I’m sure that listening to Frazer’s experience in the industry will really inspire them.”

If you’d like to learn more about Performing Arts courses at Newcastle College visit www.nscg.ac.uk.