O’REILLYS The Betty Ann Norton Collection 6th - 8th April 2022

9 always pushed me to have an opinion and think more critically. Once she got me speaking, I never stopped. As my confidence grew, I enjoyed debating with her on drama selections for exams and staging choices during theatre trips, but I will always remember that first in- teraction and I'm glad to say I've never con- sidered myself 'normal' since. Evie (current tutor, former student) From the moment I met Betty Ann at 9 years old she inspired me, she had a spirit and aura unlike anyone I’ve ever met and to this day she plays a major driving force and encouragement in my professional and per- sonal life. I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her. The 10 years in which I knew Betty Ann are filled with endless fond and meaningful mem- ories. From Shakespearen tea par ties to female empowerment speeches following boy problem breakdowns, you never left a class without a story to tell. A par ticularly fond memory I have is of a simpler moment; we were running extra rehearsals of The Im- por tance of Being Ernest in the Presbyterian Church on York Road and on our break, Betty Ann brought us into the kitchen to make tea and enjoy a Caviston’s sponge cake. Though only a small thing, something about the memory really sticks out in my mind, maybe it was her jokes about me spilling my cup of tea, or her calm yet playful energy that contrasted with the high stakes of the re- hearsals and the cold weather outside.What- ever it is it’s a moment I hold dear and en- capsulates so much of my experience in the theatre school into a half an hour snapshot.