From Sidmouth to Broadway - actor Alex’s success story
Former Sidmouth Youth Theatre actor Alex Sharp - Credit: Archant
A young actor who once trod the boards at the Manor Pavilion had big shoes to fill when he made his Broadway debut in an acclaimed drama.
Alex Sharp studied at Sidmouth College in years seven and eight before going on to Europe and then the world-renowned Julliard School of Performing Arts in New York.
After taking the title role in Oliver with Sidmouth Youth Theatre, he has now been cast as the lead in the stage adaptation of Mark Haddon’s best-selling novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
The play won seven Olivier Awards while in London, including best actor for Luke Treadaway, who Alex replaces in the lead role.
The 25-year-old was preparing for life as a struggling actor when he was selected for the part – before he even graduated.
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“It felt incredible to land the role,” he told the Herald. “Most leads on Broadway are film and TV stars, so I was honoured and surprised to be allowed to fight to get the part and to then get it.
“The best advice to a young aspiring actor I could give is just to persevere.
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“If you want something bad enough, you will inevitably get it in the end.
“And read a lot. Travel. It’s not always the things you imagine that improve your acting. Drama school is great, but it doesn’t make you into a good actor.”
This is Alex’s first professional role and his Broadway debut, so the stakes are high following the play’s success in London.
Staff from Sidmouth College’s drama department said they are delighted to celebrate his success.
He was directed by department head Angela Davies in Oliver and said: “Her words of encouragement and belief in me made a huge difference.”
