Talented actor, Max (Year 8) has been celebrated by the Independent Schools Association. (ISA) for his original Shakespearean monologue in their 2024 KS3 competition. The competition invites students to immerse themselves in the realm of Shakespearean drama, showcasing their acting skills through compelling monologues. Students have the unique chance to create their own Shakespeare-inspired monologues or choose an existing one.
Entering the KS3 category for Original Monologues, Max wrote and performed his own monologue inspired by the character Prospero from The Tempest, winning his category against 290 other applicants!
Judge, Charlotte Scott from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, enthused: “An outstanding Prospero. The reimagining of this speech is stunningly clever, thoughtful, intelligent and compelling. The transition to the present day is so well thought through and the imagery and metaphors are really wonderful and engaging. Very well done.”
Max responded “When I won, I firstly couldn’t believe it and I didn’t believe my parents and I thought they were joking but when I realised, they weren’t I was thrilled and so excited for another chance to perform my monologue. What inspired me to create an original monologue was that I knew I loved Prospero and knew his character well, but I wanted to create a different perspective on him. So, I Imagined he was in the modern era and how that would feel. Drama at Leighton Park is truly phenomenal. There are so many opportunities for everyone to get involved with shows and all the staff help and direct you so well and the Drama community at LP is one of the greatest as everyone is so supportive and it’s a really fun atmosphere.”
Max’s prize is to attend a workshop and perform his monologue at Mary Arden’s Farm in Stratford-Upon-Avon on 24th April, followed by a tour of the working, sustainably operated farm and immersive workshop sessions with the acclaimed learning team from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. “I am amazed at Max’s achievements.” commented Max’s delighted Drama teacher, Lauren Brandwood. “Max created this monologue entirely on his own, drawing inspiration from the character Prospero from the play ‘The Tempest’. Max portrayed Prospero in last year’s Acorn Theatre Co. performance, delivering such an outstanding performance that it was only fitting for us to nominate him again for the ISA Shakespeare Monologue Competition. With over 290 applicants, his victory in his category truly showcases his success. At Leighton Park, there are numerous opportunities for students to engage in the world of Drama. In just this term alone, we have staged two massive productions, open to students of all ages and abilities. Max, who portrayed the White Rabbit in ‘Alice in Wonderland’, demonstrated exceptional dedication, and as a result, I eagerly anticipate seeing him become a Drama Scholar next year.”
You can listen to Max’s monologue here.
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