Joe Hammal
“I attended QEHS from 2015-2018 and found my love of acting there. The drama department was so warm and encouraging in supporting my curiosity and passion for drama and theatre, and I can honestly say I don’t think I’d be where I am without those formative years and support from the team.
Since my departure from QE in 2018, I went on to do Project A at Theatre Royal Newcastle, a year long intensive actor training programme, and from there began to work professionally in theatre, film and television.
In 2024 I was successful in auditioning for a place with Ensemble ’84, a new theatre company directed by Mark Dornford May OBE. We’ve gone on to work alongside the Brecht estate to develop a new version of Mother Courage and Her Children which has had great national acclaim and had our first tour of the show with Live Theatre Newcastle, and are hopeful that we’ll be touring it again soon around the UK.
The drama team at QEHS couldn’t have been more supportive and encouraging during my time with the school, and I’d recommend anyone to take the course, not only for acting, but to develop confidence, people skills and communication skills.”
Thank you for sharing your inspirational journey with us Joe, and for offering to come and chat to our students next year. You were a pleasure to teach and we always knew you would go far! Mrs Pollock.
Visit the Ensemble ’84 website to find out more
📸 Photography by Keith Pattison
