A BUDDING actor who wants to bring theatre to the masses has scored a place at a top performing arts university.

Oliver Daley, who is from Burnley and attends St Mary’s College in Blackburn, will enrol on the community drama course at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) in September, where just four per cent of applicants get offered a place.

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Although his hero is Hollywood star Johnny Depp, the 18-year-old wants to stick to the stage and work in community-based theatre and education projects.

He said: “I have never been so excited in all my life and I wish September would hurry up. I have always known I wanted to have drama school training as i believe it will give my the best start in being successful in the arts.”

Oliver has been inspired by a small London-based company called Splendid Productions, which creates political theatre and offers workshops for young people across the UK.

The former Blessed Trinity pupil added: “Their work is incredible both as actors and drama facilitators and it’s what made me want to study the community drama course at LIPA instead of just the straight acting.

“I want to use my talent and passion for theatre and acting to make a successful change in society as well as still being an actor.”

LIPA was co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney and despite only opening in 1996, it is “recognised and ranked alongside institutions a lot older” and consistently placed in the top 10 rankings for specialist institutions.

Patrons include Dame Judi Dench, Sir Richard Branson, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, singer Joan Armatrading and Mark Knopfler, of Dire Straits.

Past students have gone on to perform in the West End and Broadway as well as tv and film parts.

Emma Naylor, head of performing arts at St Mary’s, said: “Oliver’s passion and enthusiasm has secured this amazing achievement and we are very proud of being able to support his goals.”