Nathan Coyne earns scholarship for the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama

Kyle Mellor, Nathan Coyne, Hollie Dunn, Joseph Malana and Kieran Merchant

Nathan Coyne from Heywood is one of five students from Bury College’s performance courses have earned substantial scholarships for the Midlands Academy of Dance and Drama (M.A.D.D).

After recent auditions, all five students received career changing scholarships towards studying Musical Theatre at M.A.D.D. This is a fantastic achievement for the college and for the students – Nathan Coyne, Kyle Mellor, Hollie Dunn, Joseph Malana and Kieran Merchant.

Four of the group are currently completing their BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts, whilst Joseph is presently studying a HNC in Dance at the college’s University Centre.

Former pupil of Our Lady’s High School in Blackley, Joseph and fellow second year student Nathan, who attended Holy Family RC & CE College in Heywood, also performed further auditions for an additional sponsorship from the renowned The Stage Newspaper. Joseph was successful in securing a full scholarship of almost £30k, whilst Nathan was offered a substantial £27k, a tremendous accomplishment for the pair.

The fantastic five are following in the footsteps of ex-student Florri Mossi who also attended M. A .D. D and is currently in the West End starring as Michael Jackson in the critically acclaimed ‘Thriller’. It is a true testament to the college’s support and teaching that when ‘The Bodyguard’ goes into the West End, Bury College will have three ex-students all appearing in shows; Arnold Mabhena also stars in Thriller, whilst Chris Jeffers has toured with several productions since graduating Bury College, including Starlight Express and Torvill and Dean.

Kieran Merchant, also an ex-pupil of Holy Family RC & CE College, said “I have always been into acting, so I originally came to Bury College to study on the acting pathway. I was encouraged by the staff to transfer to Musical Theatre as they saw the potential in me, and I’m really glad that I did”.

Holly Dunne, former pupil of Siddal Moor in Heywood, added “After M.A.D.D. I hope to perform in London in the West End, or to build a career as a professional dancer”.