A BUDDING actress at Worcester University spent her birthday mingling with the stars.
Alannah Southerton, who plays the lead in the film Lollipop, which recently premiered at the Edinburgh Film Festival, was invited to a royal reception at Buckingham Palace.
She was the guest of the Duke of Gloucester and chancellor of Worcester University, HRH Prince Richard.
The event was hosted by King Charles to mark 100 years of the Film and TV Charity, of which he is patron, and it just happened to fall on Alannah’s 24th birthday.
The actor Damian Lewis, star of Wolf Hall and Band of Brothers, was among the attendees of the reception, as were Floella Benjamin, Dame Eileen Atkins, Fiona Bruce, and Fearne Cotton, to name just a few.
Alannah, who studies english literature and film studies, said: “I met Lenny Henry, Claudia Winkleman, Steven Moffat, Nina Gold, and I had conversations with people about the importance of perseverance and bravery in the film and tv industry.
“I’ve already been in contact with people I met at the event since then and these chances for future acting opportunities are a dream for any early career actor.
“I felt so proud to be wearing my University of Worcester name tag and I will never forget the support and kindness I was shown and I’m incredibly grateful.”
She added: “It was definitely the most memorable day of my life. Not everyone gets to celebrate their birthday with the King.”
