MEMBERS of a Chester youth theatre are celebrating after one of their fellow students has been awarded a scholarship at a top drama school.

Chumisa Dornford-May, a member of On The Mark Youth Theatre (OTMYT) is hoping to follow in the footsteps of some of the UK's leading actors and West End stars after landing a scholarship at the prestigious Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. A former student at Christleton High School, Chumisa, 17, appeared in several productions at the school, including Mimi in "RENT" and also most notably taking on Whoopi Goldberg's famous role of Dolores Van Cartier in the school's production of "Sister Act". Chumisa also gave a showstopping performance as Elphaba, in "Defying Gravity" from the smash hit musical "Wicked" alongside Eleanor Moulson in On The Mark Youth Theatre's compilation show "Magic of The Musicals" to great critical acclaim.

Chumisa was set to play the role of Grizabella in On the Mark's production of CATS but sadly, the production had to be cancelled due to Coronavirus restrictions.

Chumisa, who grew up in South Africa, has theatre in her blood. Her father, Mark is a theatre producer and director, while her mother, Pauline Malefane is an acclaimed South African Opera Singer.

Chumisa is the granddaughter of the late Peter Dornford-May, former drama advisor for Cheshire County Council who also directed several of Chester's famous Mystery Plays, and retired Teacher Rayna Dornford-May.

Chumisa said: "I am absolutely delighted to be going to study at Mountview and work towards realising my dream of working professionally in the industry. I am unbelievably excited. But before I go, I can’t wait to do the Les Mis workshop with OTMYT in September and I will come back to visit whenever I can. OTMYT is home!”

Simon Phillips, artistic director of On The Mark Youth Theatre, said: “Chumisa is a huge talent and this was obvious from the very start. Alongside her talent she demonstrates incredible professionalism and a modesty and sincerity as a performer that is rare and a joy to behold.

"All at OTMYT wish Chumisa the best of luck with her course and we can’t wait to hear about how she’s getting on. We’re delighted that she is coming along to our first workshop in September and this will be a lovely chance to say our farewells and for all of our other members to offer their congratulations to this star of the future!”

On The Mark Youth Theatre will be holding a series of Covid secure musical theatre workshops at Christleton High School from September onwards starting with Les Miserables from Saturday, September 12 - Saturday, October 3, (4 weeks) followed by We Will Rock You from Saturday, October 10 - Saturday, October 31 (4 weeks), Wicked from Saturday, November 7 - Saturday, November 28 (4 weeks) and We Will Rock You from Saturday, December 5 - Saturday, December 19 (3 weeks). A discount is offered where a sibling also attends the same workshop.

For full details of On The Mark Youth Theatre and the Workshops on offer including dates, times and fees, go to www.otmyt.co.uk