BOA alumni land roles in new Cadbury drama set in 1860s Birmingham
“Watching our former students progress into professional careers is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do”
The BOA Group is celebrating another outstanding alumni success after two former students secured roles in the highly anticipated historical television drama, The Cadburys.
Former BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy student Maisie Britton and former BOA Creative, Digital & Performing Arts Academy student Leah Swain-Heath have both been cast in the upcoming six-part drama, which tells the story of brothers Richard and George Cadbury as they build one of Britain's most iconic chocolate empires in 1860s Birmingham.
Inspired by Deborah Cadbury's acclaimed book Chocolate Wars, the series is set to premiere in 2027 on free-streaming service U and U&DRAMA and features a star-studded cast including Harry Gilby, Jessica Barden, Ben Hardy and Joanna Scanlan.
Maisie attended BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy from 2022 to 2024, where she studied Writing, Directing and Screen Craft. Leah studied on the Acting Pathway at BOA Creative, Digital & Performing Arts Academy between 2020 and 2022.
The announcement marks another milestone for the BOA Group, whose specialist academies continue to prepare young people for successful careers across the creative and cultural industries.
Emma Ferguson, Marketing & Communications Officer at the BOA Group, said: "It is fantastic to see two of our alumni cast in the same major television production. Watching our former students progress into professional careers is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and this achievement reflects the talent, dedication and ambition of both Maisie and Leah.
"As a specialist education provider, we are committed to helping young people develop the skills, confidence and industry experience they need to succeed. We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved and can't wait to see them on screen."
The BOA Group has built a strong reputation for producing graduates who progress into leading universities, drama schools, apprenticeships and careers across film, television, theatre, music, digital technologies and the wider creative industries. Alumni regularly go on to work with internationally recognised organisations and productions, demonstrating the strength of the Group's industry-focused education.
Applications for September 2027 entry will be opening soon across the BOA Group's specialist academies.
Applications for BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy open on Monday, September 14, while applications for BOA Creative, Digital & Performing Arts Academy open on Thursday, October 1.
Students interested in pursuing careers in the creative industries are encouraged to find out more and apply through the BOA Group websites when applications open.