Plymouth University graduate lands leading role in children's comedy

A Plymouth University graduate has landed a leading role in a TV programme designed to bring the essence of children’s comics to the small screen.

Emily Miller, who achieved a First in Theatre and Performance, stars alongside comedian Phill Jupitus in the new ITV show Bottom Knocker Street.

She plays a range of roles – including a batty old lady, a cow from outer space and Jupitus’ mother – in the show, which comprises 52 episodes aired on the network’s children’s channel, CITV.

Emily began her acting career shortly after leaving Plymouth, while also studying for a Masters degree in Bristol and setting up her own production company. She also began teaching children drama with the Bristol-based ITV Workshop, and it was through that she was encouraged to audition for Bottom Knocker Street.

Emily, who graduated in 2009, said: “It has been a lifelong ambition to get into acting, and I loved every minute of my time on the set of the show. It was great to meeting and learning from the other actors, although I took a lot of the inspiration for my own character, Myrtle Gringe, from the clowning module I studied while in Plymouth. I learnt so much during my time at the University and the experience I gained there has already helped me to achieve so much.”

Professor of Performance Studies at Plymouth University, Roberta Mock, added: “Our BA (Hons) Theatre & Performance programme supports students to become creative, skilled, resourceful and innovative professional practitioners. We are incredibly proud of Emily, who enthusiastically embraced the opportunities we offered and is a shining example of what our graduates are able to achieve.”

For more information about studying Theatre and Performance at Plymouth University, visit http://www1.plymouth.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/1896/Pages/CourseOverview.aspx.