Hollywood film star Luke Evans, who grew up in Aberbargoed, visited pupils at Lewis School Pengam just before Christmas to give them an insight into what it takes to become a top actor.
The Hobbit actor spoke to pupils about his work, how to develop a career in the film industry and the making of his new film The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug. He took part in a lively Q&A session with 60 students aged between 11 and 18, including members of the school’s film club, media and performing arts students.
The event was organised by the education charity FILMCLUB (www.filmclub.org) and film studio Warner Bros UK.
Luke, who recently starred in a BBC drama about the Great Train Robbery, said: “It was really nice. I wasn’t expecting such a warm reception, I thought that there would be ten or 12 kids and there was a huge crowd in the hall. They were all asking incredibly interesting and informed questions, I was very impressed.
He added: “I come from the Valleys and sometimes when you’re growing up you feel like the world is against you and your dreams are shattered and it was nice for me to come back and prove to these kids, these teenagers that dreams can come true.”
Teacher Paula Treweek said pupils were inspired by meeting a successful film actor who comes from their local area.
She said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our pupils to see what can happen to them if they follow their dreams. Film stars aren’t just silver screen heroes, they are real people from real communities such as our own and it is a real treat for us to meet Luke Evans and hear all about his career.”