Tabitha shortlisted from 4,000 in national theatre competition

Year 9 student, Tabitha, has been shortlisted from nearly 4,000 young actors across the UK, earning a place among a select group of performers recognised for the quality and commitment of their work in the National Youth Monologues 2026.

Tabitha submitted an original monologue and was selected for the Regional Shortlist – one of the competition’s highest distinctions short of the national final.

The National Youth Monologues is run in conjunction with Trafalgar Entertainment, Methuen Drama and the Federation of Drama Schools and draws entries from performers aged 9 to 19 across the UK.

As part of her recognition, Tabitha has been invited to attend the National Final at the Trafalgar Theatre in London on Sunday 14 June to perform her contemporary monologue – an event that will celebrate Regional Shortlist nominees alongside performances by this year’s finalists.

No stranger to the spotlight at Westholme, Tabitha won the Rising Star Award at the school’s Performing Arts Night of Achievement in Year 8 and is set to star as Mrs Banks in the school’s upcoming production of Mary Poppins.

Tabitha said: “I was really excited when I found out I had been shortlisted. Writing and performing my own monologue was a challenge, but I enjoyed every part of the process. Drama is something I love and t my school, Westholme, gives me the chance to be creative and step into different characters. To be recognised in a national competition and invited to attend the final in London is an incredible opportunity.”

Tabitha’s achievement adds to a remarkable run of national recognition for performing arts at Westholme. The school recently won the prestigious national Starlight Express schools’ competition, earning a place to perform on a London stage, and took three awards at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) Northwest Awards.

Mrs Holland, Director of Performing Arts at Westholme School, said: “We are very proud but not surprised by Tabitha’s achievement in this prestigious national competition. She excels in Drama at Westholme and in our school productions, demonstrating excellent physical and vocal skills in her innovative character work. We wish her the best of luck at the final in London.”