By Isle of Wight Observer
Four talented young performers from the Isle of Wight have been recognised in a prestigious national monologue competition, with two reaching the National Finals in London.
The event, run in association with the Ambassadors Theatre Group, attracted thousands of entries from across the UK. Aspiring actors were asked to submit self-tapes performing a monologue from a classical or contemporary play.
From these, Kate Ortega from Newport received a Highly Commended certificate in the Sixth Form category for her moving performance of Juliet from Romeo and Juliet. Lovella-Faith Holland, from Cowes, was named a South East Regional Finalist in the Key Stage 2 Contemporary category for her powerful delivery from The Siege, a piece she learned in just two days.
Further success went to Elkie McGregor (9) and Aoife Bradley (15), both from Bembridge, who were selected as National Finalists. They were among just ten in their groups chosen to perform live on stage at London’s Ambassadors Theatre, home of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Elkie performed a piece from Little Violet, while Aoife impressed with Beatrice from Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
Principal Jeni Law, who teaches Aoife, Elkie and Lovella-Faith at the Jeni Law School of Speech and Drama, said she was immensely proud of their achievements.
“The girls worked so hard and absolutely earned the right to perform on that stage,” she said. “It was an honour and a thrill to watch them, an amazing experience for all involved.”