A University of Worcester student is appearing in a newly released feature film.
Student Alannah Southerton
Alannah Southerton has a role in Lollipop, which had its world premiere at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.
“I was thrilled to be involved,” said the 23-year-old, of Bromsgrove. "My career ambition is to be an actor across film, TV and stage. The pride I feel in being part of such an important story such as Lollipop has created a desire going forwards to be part of more projects championing overlooked and unheard voices.”
Lollipop, co-starring Posy Sterling and Idil Ahmed, tells the story of a young mother, recently released from prison, who is trying to regain custody of her two young children. Directed by Daisy-May Hudson, it was jointly produced by BBC Film, the BFI Film Fund and Parkville Pictures.
Alannah, who is in the third year of a degree in English Literature and Film Studies, was cast as social worker Tamara and took part in filming last year. In this role, Alannah filmed four scenes in London, two of which involved acting alongside one of the main characters, played by Sterling.
Alannah originally auditioned for another film after seeing a call out through the National Youth Theatre, but wasn’t thought right for the role. But, a few months down the line, she was approached by the casting team behind Lollipop, who asked her to send in an audition tape.
After previous rejections, Alannah eventually got the part. “I cried a little bit, I couldn’t really process it,” she said. "It’s the furthest way through the audition process I’d been, which was great in itself, and so booking the job and being able to put that audition work into practise was the best kind of bonus. I’m hopeful more will come from this.”
Alannah attended the premiere. “The most rewarding moment was when the lady sat next to me turned out to be a real social worker,” she said. “She immediately asked me all about my role and preparation to play Tamara and commented on how “real” the experience on screen felt for her, and how she felt “seen”. As an actor that’s the greatest compliment I could hope for.
“I had a chat with Posy Sterling, who plays the lead role Molly, who gave me such encouragement about her optimism for my acting career, and commented on how easy I made her job in our scenes.”
Alannah, a former pupil of King Edward VI College in Stourbridge, made her West End debut last year with her performance in Up All Night, which saw actors perform in slots throughout the night from 10.30pm to 8.30am. Alannah performed a monologue she had written about insomnia. She does drama training through the National Youth Theatre and has previously performed in a number of local youth theatre productions. She was a member of both the Swan Youth Theatre and the Worcester Young Rep.
Alannah believes her degree studies do help her with her acting. She said: "The analysis and research in both sides of my degree feeds into character work in acting. I also believe I have an advantage as an actor in the industry now through my understanding and knowledge of the film and literary landscape."