From Durham to the spotlight: our alumni in film, stage, and screen

Gabby is just one of many alumni who came to study at Durham but found their future rooted in the broad and unique range of opportunities that the University has to offer.  

Whilst studying law, Gabby honed her performance skills through theatre. She was amongst one of many groups of students to take a play to the Edinburgh fringe, commenting in an interview with our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Karen O’Brien in 2024 that “that’s something I never expected to do when I started University, but I realise that the experiences at Durham have fed massively into what I do now – they gave me the confidence to get up and perform in front of an audience”

Involvement in the performing arts is just one of many ways that our students develop invaluable skills for the future. Through our collegiate network, anyone can get involved, irrespective of skill or experience level. Whether that’s acting, singing or dancing – or directing, editing, or working with settings or sound, the achievements of our alumni are testament to the value of getting involved – and simply having a go!

Alumni on screen

On screen, alumna Charlotte Riley (English Language and Linguistics, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2000–2003) is currently starring in the BBC series Babies. The programme explores early parenthood through drama and documentary. In a recent interview with The Guardian, Charlotte spoke about her time in the Durham Revue, where she began developing her performance and writing skills.

We have also recently seen alumna and award-winning actress Ambika Mod using her celebrity to raise money for Stand Up To Cancer in British baking show, The Great Celebrity Bake Off.

Behind the scenes

Our alumni are also excelling in roles behind the camera: alumna and BAFTA‑winning director and producer Rosie Schellenberg (Geography, College of St Hild and St Bede, 1992–1995) recently directed the BBC documentary ‘Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century’. The programme looks at the Queen’s life alongside a century of change in Britain and includes reflections from figures such as Dame Helen Mirren, Sir David Attenborough and Queen Camilla.

In a digital world

In the field of digital media, alumnus Jack Edwards (English Literature, St Cuthbert’s Society, 2017–2020) was recently named by The Times on its Young Power List for his influence on literary culture online. Jack began creating videos whilst studying at Durham and now has an international audience on YouTube and TikTok. He also runs a podcast, an online book club and a newsletter, and writes for print media.

Jack remains closely connected to the Durham literary community. At the 2023 Hay Festival, he interviewed alumna Alice Oseman (English Literature, St John’s College, 2013–2016), creator of the Heartstopper graphic novels. The series has since become a successful Netflix television adaptation, with a feature film in development and the final novel due later this year.

Other ways to get involved

Performing arts is just one way to get involved at Durham. Many of our students get involved in volunteering, with the local community, or to support a cause – and many are involved in the college infrastructure, politics or entrepreneurship.

Broad and unique opportunities can be found across all parts of the University. These include our academic departments, our unique and vibrant Colleges and more than 1,000 student-led clubs and societies.

Find out more:

About student enrichment opportunities at Durham

About Gabby Logan in conversation with our Vice-Chancellor

About Charlotte Riley’s interview in the Guardian

About Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century

About Jack Edwards, Alice Oseman and Heartstopper

Durham University takes pride in the achievements and contributions of its 230,000 alumni and supporters. Stories that cite views, talks and published work reflect the individual’s contribution in their personal or professional capacity and do not represent the University’s position or endorsement.