ACTORS Chris Smith and Ellie Uragallo are appearing in Twas Theatre's first touring show, Trailblazer, written by Colchester writer Liz Fisher-Frank.

Among several schools' performances, it will get its premiere at the Lakeside Theatre Studio at Essex University, next week, from May 4 to 6.

Tickets, priced £5, are available from the box office on 01206 873261.

What or who got you interested theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?

Chris: I have been interested in theatre from the age of 9, I have taken part in many school and college productions, from guys and dolls to the crucible.

Ellie: I took part in plays in Primary School as everyone had to but it was only when I turned 15, that I actually thought I really liked to act.

Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in the theatre?

Ellie: My family aren't very big on the whole theatre thing but my Mum is always there with me helping me out (even though she doesn't really know what she's doing) I don't think I would've had the confidence and the perseverance to still do this if It wasn't for her.

Chris: None of my other family members are involved in the theatre

Who is the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?

Chris: I'd have to say my best friend Joseph Brazier. He pushes you as an actor to get everything you can out of your character.

Ellie: One of my teachers at East 15 I really enjoyed working with was Bobby Mackintosh, he was crazy but he was very honest with me which I liked, and I just felt comfortable performing monologues or scenes with Bobby's direction.

What formal training have you done?

Ellie: Last year I finished a foundation course at East 15 Acting School. I really enjoyed it there as it was like the first year of a 3 year BA at Drama School. The teachers were really helpful and I love East 15 as it is one of the last method acting schools.

Chris: One year at Italia Conti Acting Academy and then a BA in Theatre Arts at Derby University.

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your career to date?

Chris: I would have to say playing Alex De Large in A Clockwork Orange.

Ellie: I did BTEC in Performing Arts when I was 16 and I remember being one of the only people in my class that actually wanted to do acting full time, so I got most of the main parts in our productions (by default), my favourite was playing the title role of Lysistrata.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

Ellie: Last year at E15, I fell over during our final production, my character was meant to run away and as I went to run, I fell onto my face, it was pretty bad but it's funny now.

Chris: Most embarrassing moment would be throwing up all over the lead males' shoes on stage. But then I was only nine.

Which actor (s) performer (s) do you most admire and why?

Chris: I would have to say Tom hardy, the way he commits totally to every role he gets. He is never just a stereotypical actor, there is always a greater depth to his performance.

Ellie: I really enjoy watching John Malkovich films, I remember watching Of Mice and Men in English class and thinking he was a brilliant actor, everything he is in I love.

What role would you most like to play and why?

Ellie: 'Pests' by Vivienne Franzmann is a play about two sisters, the sister called Pink is a drug addict, and she's is such a unique character, she has so many different layers and colours to her , it's one of my favourite plays and she would be such an interesting character to play.

Chris: I would love to play a psychotic criminal in a fast paced drama, I feel I could really get under the audiences skin.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

Chris: Yes, I accidentally hit a girl with a whiteboard whilst performing the play Teechers and I couldn't contain myself.

Ellie: Not yet, thank goodness.

Any big plans for the future?

Chris: Hopefully to undertake a masters degree in acting

Ellie: I recently got into the National Youth Theatre, and I'm hoping to next year get into drama school and start a three year BA Acting course.