downsmail.co.uk


Will hopes panto role is his step to stardom


A BUDDING Maidstone actor has been given his “lucky break” after being selected to take to the stage with reality TV personality JakeQuickenden. Will Hodges (22), who has just


finished filming ‘HATE’ by HumzaArshad, andwho recently performed in two plays at the Southend Fringe Festival, will co- star in the Hazlitt Theatre’s adap- tation of Beauty and the Beast later this year. Will (pictured) said: “I’m just a


normal lad fromMaidstone – and this is my lucky break. I got a call fromthe directorMartinCleverley saying I got the part and I jumped at the chance.” He discovered his talents at the


age of 12, when he joined the Ha- zlitt Youth Theatre. He studied there for six years before moving on to the East 15 Acting School, where he has just graduated after three years. As a former Maidstone Gram-


back shows thiswinter. Will is playing the DC, Quick-


enden’s comical sidekick, in the upcoming production of the fairy- tale classic. He said: “Jake seems lovely.We


haven’t actuallymet yet but I have a friend who was his backing dancer when he was on Dancing on Ice. I’msurewewill get on very well.” Will knewfroma young age that


performing was his passion, but did not knowhe couldmake a liv- ing out of it until he reached his GCSEs. Will added: “I wasn’t good at


mar School student, he says his roots are firmly in the county town where he grewup. His mother lived in Boughton


Monchelsea and his father is a Sta- plehurst resident. He is shortly to move in with his grandmother in Bearstedwhilst doing the back-to-


anything else in school. I got very average GCSE and A level results in history, English literature and filmstudies. “But I definitely knew well be-


fore my exams that acting was what Iwantedtodo professionally and as a career.” Beauty and the Beast runs from November 30 toDecember 31.


News Assault case


victimstable POLICEare appealing forwit- nesses following a serious as- sault inHeadcorn. Officers were called at


around 8.40am on Friday,Au- gust 23, after a man suffered an injury consistent with a stabbing in StationApproach. The casualty was taken to a


London hospital by air ambu- lance, where his condition is said to be serious but stable. Police have now launched


an investigation into the inci- dent, including forensic analy- sis of the scene. A 35-year-old man from


Maidstone has been arrested on suspicion of assault, and remains inpolice custodydur- ing the investigation. Anyone with information


should call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting refer- ence 23-0393. Alternatively, call the inde-


pendent charity Crimestop- pers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report it online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.


EARLY LEARNING STEPS PRE-SCHOOL


Otham Village Hall Otham Street Otham, Maidstone Kent ME15 8RN


Ofsted Registration Number: 2538828


Small, friendly, welcoming pre-school in a village location now taking registrations for September for 2, 3 and 4 year olds. We have an outside area and are currently developing our sensory garden. Places available for private and Government funded children.


Open Day


Thursday 3rd October 9.30am - 2.00pm Why not pop in and see us?


2


For more information or for a registration form, please contact us on 07983-102421 or Email: elsotham@outlook.com


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