Tomás Azócar-Nevin,25, from Hexham is one of sixteen people who has been touring the UK as part of a repertory company ‘REP’ to celebrate the National Youth Theatre's (NYT) 10th anniversary.

REP company was created in 2012 by Paul Roseby, artistic director, and CEO of National Youth Theatre (NYT) with Associate Director Anna Niland.

The aim was that it would provide intensive real-world experience each year to a group of young performers and creatives.

The group was also launched due to the rise of tuition fees.

So far over 150 performers have benefitted from this free industry-based alternative route into the industry and REP Companies have toured leading UK and West End Theatres.

Hexham Courant:

Speaking about his experience so far, Tomás said: “I have wanted to be a part of this company for so many years now and the opportunities we have all had by performing on big stages with amazing directors has been a dream come true.

"I auditioned to become a part of the REP company last year and it was four rounds of auditions and a lot of travelling to London.

"At the time of the call, I was at university in Manchester, when an unknown number popped up.

"It felt amazing to hear that I was successful.

"First thing I did was call my mam when I received the news.

"It has been nine months of intense rehearsing, but it has been great.

"October to December, it was some intense training and then the first show in January which was Much Ado About Nothing, which was sold out and given five-star reviews.

"We are now to start our third show then we are done.

"After I finish - my plan is to come back to the North East for the weekend or week and breathe then go back to London and start the hard work again.

"I love coming home and it took me a realise that there is a great theatre scene in the North East and you don't have to go to London."