A STALWART of Dorset’s summer arts scene lands in Frampton village hall this week.

Every year students of Bristol’s Old Vic theatre school come to Dorset with their annual touring show. This year they are descending on the county with Tom Jones, Henry Fielding’s jolly romp through the life and loves of a jovial libertine.

The school has seen a vast cast list pass through its doors and its alumni include the likes of Daniel Day-Lewis, Patrick Stewart and Samantha Bond.

One of the current students, Isaac Stanmore, is in his second year there and is one of three lads playing the role of Tom Jones.

He said: “We have toured a panto around school in Bristol and performed Hamlet for older children but this is our first tour of the West Country, doing theatres and village halls.

“It’s a fantastic experience for us all. We have technical students there and we do all the sets and lighting and our own costumes. It is a real challenge because we have to adapt to the different theatres. You can be in a small place and only use some of the set, or you can be somewhere like Wimborne where you are working in a 400-seat theatre.”

Isaac plays Tom in the second act, a scenario he describes as being like ‘a bedroom farce’.

“I basically get to run around in a nightdress having a fun time with all my classmates,” he said. “We have all worked together for two years and trust each other and it is so much fun.”

Isaac, who originally comes from Surrey, had been performing in school productions when he won a part in The Taming of the Shrew with Surrey County Youth Theatre.

He realised that acting could become a career. After college and travelling, he won a place at Bristol Old Vic, a highly regarded institute founded by Laurence Olivier.

“It is a brilliant place to train in,” said Isaac. “In my year there are 14 students, which means you get individual attention and you learn in a really rich environment.

“When you first walk into the building there is a huge board with head-shots of anybody who is anybody who has been to the school. It is a bit daunting but it also adds to the story of the place. There is a real sense of inclusion, which is lovely. There is no pressure to be successful just before all these people have gone before you.

“The tutors get to know you and all they want to do is make sure you can be as good an actor as you can be.”

Isaac added: “Looking ahead, I guess you can get all ridiculous and talk about winning Oscars but in all honesty if I can make a living as an actor, and provide for my family without having to take extra jobs temping or in coffee shops, I will be a very happy man.”

Tom Jones is at Frampton village hall on June 3 at 7.30pm. Call 01300 320459 for tickets. Please note that the show at Stur Newton on July 3 is sold out.