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04:51:39 GMT on 19 March 2010
About the College: Success Stories
Shaun Escoffery
Shaun Escoffery began his career at Barking and Dagenham College as a construction student but his wonderful voice was heard by staff of the college who suggested he might think of transferring to the School of Performing Arts. Since that moment his rise has been meteoric. He has appeared in West End productions of 'Mama I want to sing', 'Tommy' and 'Smokey Joe’s Café'.
Shaun was flown to the USA to sing the British National Anthem at the start of the historic Lewis-Tyson fight and was asked to sing at Muhammed Ali’s birthday party. Shaun has had record deals with SONY (Oyster Music) and EMI (Relentless Records), and rave reviews for his albums. Sir Elton John has described him as ‘a performer with an absolutely fantastic voice’. Shaun has returned to the stage with a long run in ‘Les Miserables’ playing Enjorlas and at the Donmar where he appeared in ‘Parade’ playing Newt Lee and Jim Conley where the Independent described his performance as ‘Electrifying’.
Penny Lancaster-Stewart
Penny was a student at Barking and Dagenham College from 1998 to 2000. She took a BTEC National Diploma in Photography. Penny is known as a top model and has made a successful career in photography.
Penny is also well known as being Rod Stewart's wife.
Idris Elba
Idris enjoyed huge success in the role of Stinger Bell in the hit US TV series ‘The Wire’ seen over here on Sky. Before he made his name in the States Idris had many successful UK TV appearances in programmes like ‘Silent Witness’ and ‘Absolutely Fabulous’. As well as TV work Idris has appeared on the West End stage. Idris’ career has shifted more towards movie appearances most notably Ridley Scott’s American Gangster with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe.
Danny Biddle
Danny was a day release student at Barking and Dagenham College working towards his diploma in Site Management when he became a victim of the 7/7 bombings. He was the most seriously injured victim to survive, loosing both of his legs, an eye and his spleen and spent more than a year in hospital. Danny was determined that his life was not going to be put off course and once able continued with his studies from his hospital bed. Lecturers made the long journey to see him in his West London hospital taking books, materials and to give Danny all the support and guidance he needed to succeed with his studies. Once he was fit enough Danny returned to working and his studies at college and is studying towards an HNC in Construction.