Stephanie Drogemuller during her time at the Old Vic
A famous theatre school once attended by a host of stars including Daniel Day-Lewis and Olivia Colman has been accused of neglecting the welfare of its 'exhausted' students - including one who claims she was so overworked she sewed through both her hands.
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School - which also boasts the likes of Jeremy Irons and Naomie Harris among its glittering alumni - offers bachelor's and master's degrees in a range of subjects for the artistically inclined, including acting, stage and screen production, and drama writing.
It boasts of being one of the 'most successful and well-respected conservatoire drama schools in the UK' - but some former students now say the school is not 'welcoming to anyone with a history of mental health issues', claiming they it was nothing like the 'nurturing' environment it should have been.
The school said it was 'shocked' by the claims and would be investigating.
Among those to claim they suffered was Stephanie Drogemuller, 27, who said she was so exhausted by the schedule she was once left needing surgery after 'sewing' through both of her hands while making a birdcage for a hat.
Ms Drogemuller, who now lives in Reading, said: 'I was so tired that I went through my hand on the industrial machines. I tried to move the needle out but to do that I needed to put pressure on the pedal and I was in shock so applied too much pressure and went through my other hand.
'I needed a paramedic to remove needle and thread and my right hand did not heal right so needed surgery.
Stephanie Drogemuller's hands after the sewing incident. Ms Drogemuller, who now runs an embroidery business, said that after leaving the Old Vic less than a year into her course she finished her degree at the London College of Fashion who were 'so much more supportive'
The Bristol Old Vic Theatre School - which also boasts the likes of Jeremy Irons and Naomie Harris among its glittering alumni - offers bachelor's and master's degrees in a range of subjects for the artistically inclined, including acting, stage and screen production, and drama writing
Another former Bristol Old Vic Theatre School student, Shani Schwartz, also said her experience there had a long-term impact on her mental health
Ms Drogemuller, who now runs an embroidery business, said that after leaving the Old Vic less than a year into her course she finished her degree at the London College of Fashion who were 'so much more supportive'.
She said of the Bristol school: 'It was basically an environment where overworking and burnout was glorified. At introductory events they would say how many dropped out and couldn't handle it almost as a source of pride.
'The stress was related to a variety of courses. I did costume making but I have been in contact with some who did acting and they said the same. The issue was across the board.
'I was bright-eyed
