About WLDT
Owner & Creative Director
My Story…
I didn’t properly set foot on a stage until I was 20 years of age, and a friend asked me to come and be part of the local youth theatre and amateur dramatic scene. I immediately loved it and I realised very quickly I had found my purpose, my passion and my tribe!
It took me 2 years of trying to get in to the drama schools I wanted, and I finally chose the Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. I left with a First Class BA (Hons) Degree in Performance. Upon leaving, I spent the next 3 years touring Austria and Italy with Vienna’s English Theatre, followed by a 2-year period of short films, commercials, the lead in a feature film and a musical version of ‘Brighton Rock’ at The Almeida.
I then walked away from acting! For the next 8 years! During that time, I began to facilitate, teach and coach children, young people and adults. I worked at numerous theatre schools and dance and drama colleges, including being an integral part of the participation team at The Rose Theatre Kingston and heading up the senior school for West London Drama Training! I also worked as Esta’s assistant at the agency.
Missing the acting side of the business, I went back to it at 40. I went back to it at 40 and since then I have worked consistently across all aspects of the industry. Amongst my credits, I've toured the UK and played at The Theatre Royal Haymarket in 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' Can we change this to: My performance credits include touring across the UK and playing at The Theatre Royal Haymarket in 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' and I spent 14 months on the road in the first UK tour of 'Kinky Boots' playing Mr Price. As well as this I've worked in Film, TV and Commercials.
I absolutely love teaching acting. The thrill of watching confidence develop and their love for theatre grow is immeasurable and that confidence in themselves and love for creativity is something I hope they will take with them, whether that’s working in this business of show or elsewhere!
In an age of ever advancing technology, the need for live performance and social interaction is more important than ever. My vision for WLDT is for a school that provides that! A school that provides the very best teaching across all areas of theatre and film and helps young performers, in a safe and inclusive space, to develop their craft. But more importantly a school that provides both confidence and friendships that will last a lifetime. A space that for a few hours every week, allows children and young people to be bold, be creative and to be themselves!
Andy Watkins
Owner & Office Manager
Louise has had a passion for dancing from a young age and spent many years performing in shows. One of her most memorable experiences was dancing at the Sydney Olympic Games in Australia in 2000. She attended dance school for many years and took part in numerous amateur dramatic productions, where she first met Andy.
Many years later, Louise and Andy are now married with a son and are proud to run West London Drama Training together. Alongside her role at WLDT, Louise has built a successful career in childcare and currently works as a Deputy Manager at a nursery.
Her true passion lies in supporting young children as they learn, develop, and grow. She takes great pride in building strong relationships with children and their families through effective communication, care, and support. Louise brings warmth, dedication, and valuable experience to both her childcare work and her role at West London Drama Training.
Louise Watkins
Meet Esta
Esta founded WLDT over 25 years ago, driven by a lifelong passion for discovering and nurturing talent.
She began her career as an actress on stage and television before moving behind the scenes to become one of the UK’s leading Casting Directors, working on landmark productions including Quadrophenia, Scum, and the Oscar-winning Chariots of Fire. She later became a highly successful Producer, creating and leading major television series such as Robin of Sherwood, Boon, Birds of a Feather, winning a British Comedy Award for One Foot in the Grave, and a wide range of children’s and comedy programmes for the BBC, ITV and Channel 4.
Esta was awarded an honorary degree from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in recognition of her commitment to working with and developing talent. She believes great work is always the result of collaboration, curiosity, and giving people the confidence to shine.
