NOVA

"It truly feels like coming home"

Nick Hywell joined Sherman Youth Theatre in 1998.

26 years later he performs his very first run in the Sherman Studio as Nigel in Shirley.

Read Nick's story here:

I joined the Sherman Youth Theatre when I was 16 in 1998. My Drama Teacher at school had encouraged me to take Drama at GSCE level, and by the time I’d reached Year 11 I had joined the Sherman.

The Sherman Youth Theatre was fundamental in developing my skills as an actor. Weekly sessions with professional practitioners steadily built my knowledge and confidence. I was also given the chance to perform in productions, supported by the full Sherman backstage and technical team, which gave invaluable experience in acting in theatrical productions.

When I turned 18 I started working full time as part of the Sherman’s Front of House team. This experience was just as valuable as the Youth Theatre as I was able to watch so much incredible theatre. It was around this time that I had decided that I wanted to have a career as a professional actor.

In the summer of 2002 I joined the National Youth Theatre of Wales, before moving to London in the September and starting the 3 Year Acting course at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts.

Whilst these experiences were essential steps on my journey to becoming a professional actor, it was at the Sherman where I discovered my love and passion for the craft.

Now at the age of forty-two, to be back at the Sherman with Nova Theatre for their production of ‘Shirley’, is incredibly emotional. Working in the rehearsal rooms, chilling in the foyer, seeing familiar faces, it truly feels like coming home.

Nick Hywell
Sherman Theatre