Class of 2012 alumna Rafaela Elliston returned to FHS Regent’s Park yesterday, Thursday 14^th February, to judge the school’s annual drama competition. Herself a previous winner, and former Head Girl, Rafaela was delighted to be invited back, welcoming the unique opportunity to be performed to, commenting on the “good energy” emanating from the girls’ performances.

Rafaela’s acting career began at Regent's Park, where she found the school very much encouraged students to be creative. Rafaela studied Drama at AS level, supported in her choice of career by teacher Mrs Oakley, before embarking on an English Literature degree. Official drama training came later, after reading English Literature as an undergraduate, at The Poor School. Rafaela spent two years honing her craft on an acting course at the drama school in north London. She has since co-written and performed in ‘Hello Georgie, Goodbye Best’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before touring the UK and Ireland last year. Rafaela is now working on adapting the play into a film script.

Rafaela’s advice for budding actors? Start drama classes sooner rather than later and keep practicing! She also welcomed the chance to attend university before embarking on her official drama training, allowing her to develop the confidence required for the rigorous demands of acting.

Rafaela is currently rehearsing for a production of The 39 Steps which opens in March at the Millfield Theatre in north London.