A CHEMISTRY student from Renfrew has found the formula for the big stage after beating more than 130 applicants to a spot in Scottish Youth Theatre’s inaugural National Ensemble

Aspiring actor Allan Othieno, 21, will be joined by fellow Renfrewshire actor Charlie Devlin, 17, in the final 24.

The two talented performers were unveiled alongside the other selected members of Scottish Youth Theatre National Ensemble last weekend.

Registrations for the Ensemble opened to coincide with Scottish Youth Theatre celebrating its 40th birthday in December, with 16 to 25-year-olds who live, work, study or have family in Scotland invited to apply for an open audition.

Chemistry undergraduate Allan is determined to make a career in performance.

He started acting in primary seven where he played the Wicked Witch of the West in Wizard of Oz.

During his second year at university, he decided to join Scottish Youth Theatre’s weekly classes and summer courses.

His experiences inspired him to apply for the National Ensemble.

Allan told the Gazette: “Being part of the first ever National Ensemble is like being a part of history.

“Someday I might get to meet the members of a future Ensemble and wax nostalgic about how I was in the very first. I feel like a real pioneer.”

Schoolboy Charlie has been member of PACE Theatre Company since the age of four.

He has also had roles in short films and BBC programmes including Limmy’s Show.

Despite his vast experience he says he is delighted to be selected for the Ensemble.

Charlie said: “The standard of talent was so high during the audition process and I feel so fortunate to be given this opportunity to work alongside a number of talented people.

“I’m looking forward to developing my acting skills and working with different people from across Scotland. “Venturing into different areas of theatre such as directing and writing is another thing I’m looking forward to.”

Scottish Youth Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mary McCluskey said: “We auditioned in Inverness, Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries and were so inspired by the talent we saw. It was a very hard job whittling the numbers down to just twenty-four.

“It goes without saying that the young people selected have exceptional ability and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how Charlie and Allan grow as theatre makers during their time as an Ensemble member.”