Biography

Born and raised in Stirling, Mirren grew up the eldest daughter of an actor father and drama tutor mother. This early exposure to the world of theatre inspired Mirren to perform, and she took up classes in acting, dance and performing on stage from a very young age.

In her 5th year at high school Mirren auditioned for the Dance School of Scotland’s Musical Theatre course at Knightwood, where she went on to study full time for two years. Whilst there she demonstrated a rare combination of focus, maturity and natural talent.  She took part in many public performances, including two shows that took place in the Citizens Theatre (Batboy and Godspell). She won the drama prize for her year in 2015 and the Musical Theatre Award in her final year.

Mirren enjoyed all aspects of her training, however her passion for acting drove her to audition for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.  She was successful in gaining a place, offering an excellent opportunity to study her craft at a highly prestigious school.

Mirren’s ambition is to develop her craft and perform both within theatre and film.

How the Award Helped

Mirren’s Dewar Arts Award enabled her to accept her place to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and to fully benefit from the opportunity to further her talents.

Since the Award

March 2020: Mirren gained her first prime time TV role in the BBC’s ‘The Nest’.  In an interview with The Mail on Sunday she credited her support from the Dewar Arts Awards as being vital in her development as an actor, without which she would not have been able to afford her tuition at Guildhall.