Class of 2025: Maddy Lenny

Falling asleep to the fantastical worlds of Road Dahl and Dr Who as a child set Maddy Lenny on a path she might not have predicted at the time. However, having been a runner up in a major BBC prize, she’s now hoping to make a name for herself in the world of radio drama.

The East 15 Acting School student was inspired to enter the BBC Carleton Hobbs Bursary Award because of her love for audio stories

“I remember as a child, a newspaper giving out tokens to collect and send off for free audio stories. That’s when I feel in love with voice acting,” she explained.

Maddy, who is graduating with a BA Acting, listened every night to Roald Dahl stories and Dr Who adventures.

Having been selected through an internal process at East 15, to represent the School in the prestigious BBC competition, she was named one of five runners up, with a commendation in the monologue category.

Her success means she’ll get the chance to work with the BBC on an audio project over the next five months.

“The team there are so fantastic and make you feel completely at home - so I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of working with them,” she said.

The national accolade has been the icing on the cake for Maddy who secured her place at East 15 after five years of auditioning around the country.

“East 15 was the first school to have faith in me and offer me a place. In that audition, I somehow just brought the most authentic, energised, and honest version of me - and in return I feel I was really seen and my work ethic was understood,” she explained.

Maddy, who is from Bristol, had been attracted to the School because it “allows so much space for creativity, joy, and a healthy bit of chaos.”

The experience hasn’t disappointed.

She says her most memorable experience was working on a brand-new play, LoopdeLoop, written by Josh Azouz and directed by Diyan Zora.

Diyan is one of two women theatremakers who have made a big impact on Maddy.

“Diyan was just the most wonderful person to have in the room. I learnt so much about specificity, honesty and leadership from her,” she said.

Maddy also cites guest lecturer Alexandra Constantinidi, who taught radio and Brecht, as a huge influence: “I think we've been completely blown away by how wonderful of a presence she is on campus.

“The bond of trust she has with her students is really special. She is the example I really needed of a young woman in this industry who completely holds her own and does everything with complete bravery and authenticity.”

Despite her BBC honour, Maddy - who says she felt supported at East 15 “in ways I didn’t ever think were possible” - isn’t complacent and is busy auditioning for her next big role.