Scottish actor Tommy Flanagan paid a special visit to Linlithgow Academy, sharing stories from his successful acting career and offering advice and encouragement to senior pupils studying Drama.
Best known for his roles in hit television series Sons of Anarchy and House of the Dragon, as well as numerous Hollywood films, Flanagan took time to answer questions from aspiring young actors about his experiences in the film and television industry.
During the visit, pupils had the opportunity to hear first-hand about his journey into acting, the challenges of working on major productions and what it takes to succeed in such a competitive industry.
Flanagan spoke openly and honestly about his experiences, offering valuable advice to the pupils. One of his key messages was the importance of fully committing to a role, encouraging them to “Believe the character you’re playing.”
He also reassured pupils that even experienced actors can struggle with nerves. Recalling the daunting experience of arriving on set for the first time, surrounded by hundreds of cast and crew members, he admitted: “For me those nerves never go away.”
His honesty gave pupils a fascinating insight into the realities of life as a professional actor, demonstrating that confidence, determination and perseverance are just as important as talent.
The visit was a fantastic opportunity for Linlithgow Academy’s senior Drama pupils to learn from an actor who has enjoyed considerable success on the international stage.
One senior Drama pupil, who hopes to pursue a career in theatre, described the experience saying: “This was a fantastic opportunity! Not only did we get to meet someone we’d only ever seen on TV in real life, but we also received acting advice based on his own experiences. This will really help me going forward, as I’m planning to apply to study theatre at university next year.”
Flanagan left pupils with one final, inspiring message about following their ambitions and never giving up on something they are passionate about: “If you love it, do it. You can’t give up.”