IT is not every day that aspiring actors get to spend the afternoon with an Olivier Award winning actress and discuss the challenges of the industry over a cup of tea.

But this is exactly what happened to 23 youngsters over the weekend when Billie Piper, who is the Patron of the Shoebox Theatre, took time out of her busy schedule to visit on Saturday and share her experiences of working on stage and screen.

“The knowledge and advice Billie provided was invaluable, she was extremely honest and provided a realistic insight into the industry,” said Luke Marquez, artistic director of the Shoebox. “We are delighted to be able to offer young actors in the town the opportunity to learn from somebody with the experience she has.”

Actress, Keira Georgeson, who attended the event said: “As someone who has been the star of TV shows as well as plays, Billie knew so much about different processes and techniques, which she happily shared with us. She also gave us lots of encouragement and was genuinely interested in what we had to say. She is such a lovely person, very cool and very down to earth. I’m incredibly grateful to the Shoebox Theatre for providing this sort of opportunity!”

Billie attended the launch of the Shoebox in February, and is expected to be a regular feature at the theatre. “Venues like the Shoebox are really wonderful and important,” the Secret Diary of a Call Girl actor said. When I was growing up in Swindon, I came through the traditional drama training routes, which are great, but the Shoebox Theatre offers alternative ways of developing skills and gaining experience, which is really, really exciting.”

Managed by Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, the Shoebox Theatre is a 50-seat studio space located in the centre of Swindon.

It supports new and contemporary theatre and provides training opportunities for students aged 14 and up. For more details visit www.shoeboxtheatre.org.uk/train