Poppy Harvey Wood (Fe. 2021–23) has graduated from Durham University with First Class Honours in Visual Arts and Film, having explored visual culture, film, music and performance. Alongside her studies, she became deeply involved in Durham’s student theatre and dance scene as both performer and choreographer. Following a successful audition season, she is now preparing to begin professional musical theatre training at London Studio Centre this September.
Your journey has brought together visual art, film, dance, singing and musical theatre. Where do you think that creative curiosity began, and how have those interests influenced one another?
I’ve always had a thirst for creative pursuits, growing up in an extremely creative household. My parents introduced me to ballet at two, followed by singing, piano, violin, tap, jazz and acting. I instantly fell in love with the creative world, begging to attend extra classes, summer schools and training programmes.
I trained in dance at Highgate Ballet School and with Spirit Young Dance Company, and attended Sylvia Young Theatre School and British Youth Music Theatre. I also began as a choral singer, eventually singing with Brighton College’s Chapel and Chamber Choirs and later Durham’s Chapel Choir and Choral Society. In 2024, I moved more fully into musical theatre singing to complement my love of dance and acting.
At Durham, I continued performing through dance teams, choir and student theatre, while also developing my skills through courses at RADA, Chichester Festival Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre.
My interest in film developed at school through filmmaking competitions and has since included acting in short films and creating video design for theatre. The intersection of film and live performance particularly fascinates me. My degree taught me how inextricably linked the arts are, with what I’ve learnt academically constantly informing my creative work, and vice versa.
Looking back, what are some of your favourite memories of Brighton College?
Being in Fenwick House definitely made my time at the College. Its welcoming, friendly community really made me feel at home. House Song was a highlight each year, especially choreographing in U6th alongside Elly Na (Fe. 2019-23) - although we were robbed twice!
The artistic opportunities also defined my time at the College. From choir with Ms Reavey, to Les Misérables, Show Team rehearsals and ballet classes, I was creatively enriched every day. Competing at the Royal Tunbridge Wells Dance Festival was unforgettable, especially being the only actual school rather than dance school taking part.
Another standout was winning Brighton’s Strictly Come Dancing in L6th, dancing the Samba to ‘Copacabana’ with Kit Fenn (Ab. 2018–23). Having never trained in Ballroom before, it was a wonderfully unique opportunity – and heaps of fun!
You’ve been involved in performance in many different ways at Durham. Which experience stands out?
It’s hard to choose! I’ve had incredible experiences, from competing nationally with DU Dance Competition Team and touring Slovenia with DU Choral Society, to performing in Durham Cathedral and modelling for the Walk On Charity Fashion Show.
If I had to pick one, though, it would be my first Gala musical, Crazy For You, with Durham University Light Opera Group. Celebrating DULOG’s 75th year, we performed a full week at the Gala Theatre with a 24-piece pit band and more than 100 people involved. As a lover of Golden Age musicals, it was incredibly special to play Mitzi while also Dance Captaining my first DULOG show.
What have you learned about yourself through performing and creating, particularly when things haven’t gone to plan?
Learning from setbacks and ‘failures’ is one of the most important things I’ve learnt. I used to be terrified of getting things wrong; as a perfectionist, I overlooked how much I could learn from mistakes. At university, I realised that some of the most exciting work comes from imperfections, mistakes and competing ideas, so I’ve tried to see them as redirections rather than failures.
Choreographing and teaching at Durham also taught me to adapt the ideas in my imagination to work for the people bringing them to life. It improved my problem-solving and encouraged me to take more risks. I’ve found that simply starting a project without the pressure of making it perfect has often led to my best work.
Has studying such a broad range of subjects changed the way you think about creativity or performance?
Definitely. I think an interdisciplinary approach is immensely important, particularly in the arts. Drawing together ideas from different disciplines has been hugely thought-provoking. I particularly enjoyed ‘Religion in Film’, which allowed me to combine film and theological scholarship with skills from music and history.
Studying film and music, as well as historical and literary figures, has also shaped how I view performance. I’ve become a more analytical audience member and gained new perspectives on acting and storytelling.
Being creative requires you to know yourself while also having a broad perspective of the world. My degree gave me both new perspectives and the skills to complement them.
How did Brighton College help to inspire or prepare you for a career in musical theatre?
Brighton College’s vibrant artistic scene helped me see musical theatre as a possible career. Being at such an academic school while also being encouraged to pursue dance, music and other activities reinforced that these could all be viable pathways.
I’m tremendously grateful to Ms Reavey, whose dedication to the choirs created such a special community. While trips to Lyon and our National Competition win were memorable, it’s the small jokes and smiles before Wednesday morning chapel that stick with me most. Ms Linkenbagh, Ms Amanda and the other dance teachers also inspired me enormously. The high standard of dance pushed me as a performer, while their support and understanding gave me confidence.
You’re about to begin professional musical theatre training at London Studio Centre. What are you most excited about?
I’m incredibly excited to dedicate 100% of my time to training for the first time in my life! Juggling 20 hours of dance a week alongside GCSEs, and performing seven shows during the week I submitted my dissertation, has certainly been stimulating, but I can’t wait to focus solely on performing.
I’m also excited to learn from leading industry professionals and to join Seedtime Musical Theatre Company, directed by Clare Bloomer, a RADA and Durham graduate.
Over the next few years, I’d love to finesse my skills as a performer while keeping my academic and creative brain engaged. Ultimately, I’d like to build a career that uses as many of these skills as possible, and I’m excited to see where that takes me.
If you could go back in time and give your Brighton College self one piece of advice, what would you tell her?
I’d encourage her to stop comparing her journey to others. I often think back to Mr Cairns’ advice to be more confident, kind and curious. One piece of advice that really stuck with me was not to be a second-rate version of anyone else, but a first-rate version of yourself.
I was still held back mentally by comparing myself to others. The grass is always greener, especially on social media, so focus on yourself and embrace your niche.
I’d also tell her not to worry about having the future perfectly mapped out. The beauty of the creative industry is how unpredictable it is. It can be terrifying, but it’s also incredibly exciting because you never know what opportunity might arise next. Say "Yes!" to opportunities, even during exams. I’ve found that keeping up extracurricular activities can actually boost academic performance and reduce stress.