Spotlight on..NATIONAL YOUTH MONOLOGUES Competition 2026 at Trafalgar Theatre
Photo credit: National Youth Monologues
The National Youth Monologues competition was created to provide a platform for young performers aged 9 to 19 to have the experience of a solo performance on stage and to champion the next generation of young actors. Around 4000 young people submitted two-minute self-tapes of themselves speaking a monologue and from these, around 15% were selected for two regional finals held at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre and the Stone Nest in London. A further 10% were awarded highly commended certificates for their efforts.
In its second year, the National Final was held on 14 June at the beautifully refurbished Trafalgar Theatre in London. The event was sponsored by the Trafalgar Entertainment Group, Methuen Drama, the Federation of Drama Schools and Actors Nest. The Actors Nest provides training and guidance from aspiring actors aged 16-19 to prepare for auditions at the UK’s leading drama schools.
The competition was divided into age groups Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 plus Sixth Form, and in each age group, performers could present a piece from Classical Theatre, Contemporary Theatre, Screen or an original devised piece of their choosing. The programme listed everyone who had been commended, shortlisted or selected for the finals. The performances were judged by a panel of four: Tasmin Young, Federation of Drama schools, Zoe Templeton-Young , a RADA graduate, now directing, Geovanna Lewin- Rowe, a LAMDA graduate actress and Spotlight winner, and Nicholas Humby, representing the Trafalgar Entertainment Group. The event was organised by Marcus Condron, who brilliantly compered the shows, and Martin Blakelock who coordinated the scoring. The judges look for performances that connect with the audience, create characters that are engaging, and bring something truthful and unique to the monologue and are delivered with clarity and commitment.
The classic pieces were all extracts from William Shakespeare plays, from familiar speeches from Henry V and A Midsummers Night Dream to less well-known plays such as Two Noble Kinsman and King John. The contemporary works included extracts from Curious Incident…, The 39 Steps, and The Play That Goes Wrong. Screen monologues came from Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, The Odd Couple, Sherlock and Little Women. The original devised pieces were extraordinary heartfelt pieces including one about the Morecambe Bay cockle pickers tragedy, and several about teenage feelings about parents and the world. The standard throughout was impressive and overall effect was inspiring and joyful.
The winners on the day were:
Classic: Kira Parker (KS2), Bo Reef Davies (KS3), Arabella Saunders (KS4-5), Ivy Salter-Chiles (Sixth Form)
Contemporary: Timothy Jian Soon (KS2), Alfie Webster (KS3), Iszy Hood (KS4-5), Faith Ukponmwan (Sixth Form)
Screen: Lyla Rolfe (KS2), Olantra Worrell (KS3), Mark Cogbashian (KS4-5), Jasmine Went (Sixth Form)
Original: Henry Oscar (KS2), Thandisa Wadi (KS3), Esmae Dixon (KS4-5), Zeynep Tursucu (Sixth Form)
Entries open for the National Youth Monologues 2027 in November. The entry fee is £8 per single submission. There is a school and group pass, plus a special award sponsored by Methuen Drama of £250 of books for a school. The National Youth Monologues summer school runs for a week in July for KS2-5 students in London.
If you are an inspiring actor or a school with a strong drama department, we urge you to consider entering next year, and if you are interested in seeing young people being given these opportunities, please consider donating or sponsoring next year’s awards.
Congratulations to all of the winners and runner ups!
For more info on the National Youth Monologues competition, please click here.
Nick Wayne