Pauline Quirke Academy names local West End performer as the new principal

A Fylde Coast West End performer is celebrating landing her latest role.
Rachael McCormick, new principal at the Pauline Quirke Academy in Fylde
Pic: Darren BellRachael McCormick, new principal at the Pauline Quirke Academy in Fylde
Pic: Darren Bell
Rachael McCormick, new principal at the Pauline Quirke Academy in Fylde Pic: Darren Bell

Rachael McCormick has been named as the new principal of The Pauline Quirke Academy in Fylde.

During her extensive career, Rachael has appeared on stage in the West End Cast of Oliver! playing the roles of Widow Corney and Charlotte.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She grew up in Lytham, where she attended Rainbow Dance Studios from age the age of four to 18. She attended Arnold Senior School and Sixth Form.

Rachael moved to London at the age of 19, to study Musical Theatre at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts – graduating in 2009 with a first class honours degree.

Rachael said: “I am so excited about everything we have coming up at PQA Fylde. We have amazing masterclasses, theatre trips and our Trinity College exams all planned and our performance later this year with G4.

“I cannot wait to see how the academy grows and develops.”

Among Rachel’s other credits are The Secret Garden (Martha) at Kings Head Theatre London; Misery (Annie Wilkes) and Glee Live on stage (Rachel Berry) at The Gaiety Theatre on the Isle of Man; Richard III (Clarence, Margaret, Ratcliffe) at The Avenue Theatre in Ipswich; A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mustardseed, Quince) as part of Theatre in the Forest at Jimmy’s Farm

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Students at PQA spend three hours, rotating through hour long sessions in Comedy & Drama, Musical Theatre and Film & Television.

The specialist modules, packed full of tips Pauline has learned during 50 years in the business, aim to teach students everything they need to know to act, sing, dance or direct like a professional.

This year, PQA Fylde’s students will have the chance to be perform on stage with ‘pop-era’ group G4 at the world-famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

The PQA is also enrolling now for new students.

Academies run on Saturdays from 9.45am to 1pm at Highfield Leadership Academy, Highfield Road, South Shore.

* For further information, see pqacademy.com or call 0800 531 6282.