Second year UAL Extended Diploma in Acting for Stage & Screen students had the opportunity to work with Actor, Writer and Director John Lee Taggart on his feature film Never Heard of it which promotes awareness of the rare metabolic disorder Niemann-Pick disease. The film was shot with professionals and students on campus at Newport Road.

John who works as Head of Communications for Niemann-Pick UK invited two members Jack and Ellie Evans to campus to take part. Ellie and Jack are the daughter and son of Niemann-Pick UK Trustee (and former Chair) Dr Will Evans and his wife Miriam who has long supported the charity.

John said, “Jack and Ellie Evans came up from Leeds with their mother Miriam, they had mentioned to me about being an aspiring filmmaker and actor respectively so it was an opportunity to give them their first credit whilst working with the fantastic Northern Art stage and screen students and the working professionals on my team!”

“They had a really tough year in 2025, having lost their brother and son Sam to the genetic rare condition Niemann-Pick disease type C, but coming together like this was a really positive thing that put smiles on all of our faces. The students were all really enthusiastic too, throwing themselves into it and bringing an impressive presence to the scene, I can’t wait for you all to see their talent on display!”

College-level Acting Lecturer Gavin Bell explains, “having previously screened work as part of an industry workshop for our students, John was keen to return and cast our final-year actors in a new promo film Never Heard of it which aims to highlight awareness of Niemann-Pick disease. Working with a professional crew gave our actors insight into the process (and fun!) of working on set. John’s work has also just  been selected for the BIFA qualifying Sunderland Shorts 2026. We can’t wait to work with John again soon!”

Second-year Acting student Rubie Riach reflected, “the experience as a whole was interesting as we learnt what it’s like to be on be on a professional film set and getting direction from John was helpful as I can use it in the future.”

If you are a school-leaver looking to develop a career in acting for the stage and screen industries, look no further! The Level 3 Acting course at The Northern School of Art offers dynamic, hands-on training in acting for both theatre and screen, helping you become a confident, expressive performer ready for higher education or the industry. Head over to our website page or apply now.