Newly released archive photographs are offering a rare glimpse into the early years of some of Britain’s most celebrated actors—long before Hollywood fame, red carpets, and global fanbases. To mark its 75th anniversary, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) has opened its archives, revealing images of future stars during their formative drama school days. The collection highlights just how influential the Glasgow-based institution has been in shaping stage and screen talent over the past seven decades.
A Training Ground for Global Stars
For 75 years, RCS has trained generations of performers who have gone on to dominate film, television, and theatre. Its alumni list includes two actors who would later play Doctor Who, major Marvel stars, Game of Thrones favourites, and some of the UK’s most respected stage performers. The newly revealed images show actors at the very start of their journeys—often unrecognisable compared to the polished public figures audiences know today.
David Tennant Before Doctor Who Fame
Among the most striking images is a 1982 matriculation photograph of David Tennant, taken when he joined the Junior Academy. At the time, the school was known as the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Tennant later graduated in 1991 and went on to star in Doctor Who, Broadchurch, Good Omens, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Reflecting on his time at RCS, Tennant has credited the institution with giving him the foundation he needed to survive in a competitive profession.
James McAvoy’s Early Stage Years
Another archive image shows James McAvoy performing in The Beaux Stratagem in 1999. McAvoy graduated in 2000 before launching an award-winning career spanning the West End and Hollywood, including his role as Professor X in the X-Men franchise. His connection to RCS remains strong. McAvoy later established a drama scholarship to support aspiring actors who face financial barriers to training.
From Student Roles to International Fame
The archive also includes early performances by Sam Heughan, who starred in Romeo and Juliet while studying at RCS. He later achieved worldwide fame as Jamie Fraser in Outlander and has since funded multiple scholarships for future students. Similarly, Jack Lowden appears in student productions before becoming a BAFTA and Olivier Award winner. Lowden has described RCS as the place that “completely formed” him as an actor.
Ncuti Gatwa and a New Generation
Images from 2012 show Ncuti Gatwa performing during his acting degree. Gatwa later rose to global prominence in Sex Education and as the Doctor in Doctor Who. His journey—from hardship to international success—has become one of the school’s most inspiring stories.
A Legacy Still Growing
Beyond these stars, RCS alumni include Billy Connolly, Alan Cumming, Richard Madden, Robert Carlyle, and many more. The archive release not only celebrates individual success stories but also underscores the Conservatoire’s enduring role in shaping global entertainment. As the images show, even the biggest stars once stood nervously on student stages—learning, experimenting, and dreaming.
