A North Tyne teenager is swapping her village in rural Northumberland for the Big Apple after being offered a place at one of the world's top theatre schools.
Abbey Tilley from Birtley has been accepted for a two year full time conservatory programme at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, following in the footsteps of Grace Kelly, Anne Hathaway, Robert Redford and Lauren Bacall.
The 17-year-old, who is studying for A-levels in Psychology and Chemistry at Royal Grammar School in Newcastle alongside going to the Musical Theatre Studios of Sunderland, will start her course in 2023 to give herself time to save for tuition fees and living in New York City.
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Former Queen Elizabeth High School pupil Abbey has performed many times with folk singer Kathryn Tickell, though her first love has always been musical theatre. She started performing at the age of four by playing piano at Wark First School's Christmas concert, and has since performed at many venues across the North East, from opening Bellingham Show to a concert on Holy Island.
Abbey said: "I can't wait just to be as many different characters as possible. I think it's really interesting that you can take on characters that have completely different attributes and traits who live different lives to yours. I find that really interesting."
"My favourite musical is The Sound of Music. It's an old one, but I really like the Baroness, she's the villain in it. That's the sort of character I'd like to play, villains are the most interesting I think!"
The arduous application process for the American institution included an essay about her goals as a performer and an audition consisting of two monologues followed by questions. However, Abbey made it through the notoriously difficult qualifying process and her place was confirmed in January.
She said: "I'm feeling really excited. It's definitely sunk in now. For a while I couldn't really believe it!"
Before starting her course in 2023, Abbey will attend a summer school at ADDA this year, which should give her a chance to acclimatise to big city life.
She continued: "I've never been to New York. I've never been to America at all! I'm really nervous, honestly. I live in a tiny little village, I've never lived in a city before. And New York is quite a city, not going to lie."
Having never lived away from her family before, the nerves are understandable - for both them and Abbey!
She continued: "I hope they're all proud. I think they're also a bit nervous for me to go but I think that's the same for anyone whose child is moving away."
Rachel, Abbey's mum, said: "We are absolutely bursting with pride. Go Abbey, you have worked and pushed yourself so hard to do this. Well done, we love you loads and you always give your absolute best!"
The family have plenty of time together before Abbey leaves. As well as finishing her A-levels, she's hoping to get a job to help fund her tuition fees and living costs in the US. She finished: "I'm deferring my place for a year because I need to raise money. I'm looking for sponsorships and grants because it's hard to get funding in America - I'll probably be doing some fundraisers as well."
