Lights, camera, monologue! Northbrook student reaches national final 

The bright lights of the West End awaited a Northbrook College student after she secured a place in the National Final of the National Youth Monologues 2026. 

Tegwen Edwards, who is studying Performing and Production Arts at Northbrook College, competed in the Classical Monologue category for sixth form students at the National Final, held at London’s Trafalgar Theatre. 

The competition featured four age categories – Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form – with participants performing across four disciplines: Classical, Contemporary, Screen and Devised monologues. 

 There were four age categories (key stage 2, key stage 3, key stage 4 and 6th form), with four monologue types within each age category (classical, contemporary, screen and devised). 

Reflecting on the experience, Tegwen said: 
“The final was in The Trafalgar Theatre in the West end which was beautiful and had an incredible stage. It’s the theatre that Catherine Tate is currently performing Oh Mary in.  

“The 6th formers watched the Key stage 4 performances, then we went on stage in groups of 4 or 5 and took turn to each perform our monologues. The results were announced after everyone had performed.” 

Although competing against some of the country’s most promising young performers, Tegwen said the atmosphere throughout the day was welcoming and supportive. adding: 

“It was a great experience! The other contestants were really nice and there was a lot of waiting time, so we got to know each other well.  

“There wasn’t a competitive or tense atmosphere which made it more enjoyable to perform. It was interesting that a lot of people had taken part the year previously, which had been the first year the competition took place” 

Tegwen also highlighted the support she received from her tutors at Northbrook College, crediting them with helping her prepare for the national competition:

“I’d performed this monologue in my course at Northbrook’s showcase in January, and the direction and teaching I got from my course teachers really helped to improve my performance.  

“They offered really good acting techniques and guidance, and I’m very grateful to them.” 

To find out more about the Theatre and Performing & Production Arts courses available at the college, please click here.