MetFilm School Leeds Student Steps Onto the Big Screen in The Choral
By katysmith
10 November 2025
MetFilm School Leeds student Oliver Briscombe known as Ollie, is celebrating his first major screen appearance, starring in The Choral – a new feature film written by Alan Bennett and directed by Nicholas Hytner.
Currently studying on the BA Acting for Screen degree at MetFilm School Leeds, Ollie plays Lofty in the wartime drama, which also stars Ralph Fiennes, Roger Allam, Mark Addy, and Alun Armstrong. Set in Yorkshire during the First World War, the story follows a local community choir as they navigate loss, change, and the power of music to bring people together.
The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September before arriving in UK cinemas on 7 November – marking a huge step for Ollie from student productions to professional filmmaking.
From Leeds to the Big Screen
Born in Harrogate and raised in Ripon, Ollie developed his passion for acting early on, before studying Performing Arts at York College and later joining MetFilm School Leeds to refine his craft.
He first heard about The Choral through an open casting call shared by MetFilm School – and almost didn’t apply.
“I honestly thought I wouldn’t stand a chance,” he admitted. “It was my sister Emily who persuaded me to go for it. She told me I had nothing to lose.”
After submitting an introduction video and a self-tape as Lofty, Oliver was invited to two rounds of London auditions. The call confirming his casting came at an unexpected time:
“I was actually at the orthodontist getting my braces tightened when they told me I’d got the part,” he laughed. “It was a mix of disbelief, excitement – everything all at once.”
Learning on Set
For Ollie, The Choral was a crash course in professional filmmaking.
“At first, I had imposter syndrome,” he said. “But every day I was learning – not just from the actors but from the crew as well. Ralph Fiennes was incredible to watch. He brought this calm, focused energy to set that really inspired everyone.”
He also remembers some light-hearted advice from fellow cast member Mark Addy:
“I offered to make him a cup of tea, and he pulled out his own box of Yorkshire Gold. He said, ‘Always bring your own tea bags – never rely on the set having your brand.’ He’s right. Tea is the fuel of actors!”
Ollie credits his training at MetFilm School Leeds for preparing him for the experience.
“Everything I’d learnt suddenly made sense – how to stand, how to break down a script, how to build a character’s inner life. MetFilm School gave me the confidence to just get on with it. They were really supportive too, giving me flexibility when I needed time off for filming.”
A proud moment for MetFilm School Leeds
Lucy Francis, Course Leader for BA Acting for Screen at MetFilm School Leeds, shared her praise for Ollie’s achievement:
“Ollie has shown great commitment to his training and a genuine curiosity about the craft of screen acting, and we’re so proud of what he has achieved with this film. To take on a role of this size so early in his career and whilst still studying with us has been a major undertaking but he’s kept his cool and managed his workload with care and dedication. We’re so excited to see the film and celebrate his success, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for Ollie after he graduates.”
Ollie’s family joined him at the BFI Film Festival screening earlier this year.
“They loved it – it’s such a beautiful, moving, and funny film. There wasn’t a dry eye in the cinema,” he said.
With The Choral now in cinemas, local audiences can see Ollie’s performance for themselves. Currently in his final year at MetFilm School Leeds, he’s already been cast in another feature film, with details still under wraps.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” Ollie said. “I’ve learned so much, and I just want to keep working, keep growing, and see where it takes me.”
Discover your future in Screen Acting
At MetFilm School Leeds, our BA Acting for Screen course combines professional training, practical experience, and real-world industry insight – designed to help you build confidence and versatility in front of the camera.
Come along to our Open Day in Leeds on 6 December to tour the campus, meet our tutors, and hear from current students about life on set and in class.
Learn more and secure your spot today. The Choral in cinemas now.
