What a weekend! I was so proud of every single performer at the Southport Festival 2022. You did me, the Lamont School, yourselves and your families proud!

It was so rewarding watching you give your all in the verse speaking, prose reading, solo acting and duologue classes. I hope you all enjoyed it as much as the audience and, of course, the adjudicators!

We entered 22 classes and got 1st places in 15 classes, second place in 16 classes and third place in 5 classes. All your hard work really paid off! Huge congratulations to you all!

The results were as follows:-

SOUTHPORT FESTIVAL RESULTS 2022 – 22 classes entered – 15 x 1sts  16 x 2nds and 5 x 3rds

VERSE

Under 10             

1^st  Joseph           2^nd  Jack          3^rd  Henry

Under 12a

2^nd Freddie         3^rd Skylar

Under 12B

1^st Martha           3^rd Clara

Under 13

1^st Serafina

Under 14

1^st Verity              2^nd Gabriel

Under 16

1^st Evie                  2^nd Orlando

Under 18

1^st Orlando          2^nd Emily

PROSE

Under 10             

1^st Joseph            2^nd Taron

Under 12a

2^nd Emilia

Under 12b

1^st Clara                 2^nd Martha

Under 14

2^nd Gabriel          3^rd Chayil

Under 16

1^st Evie

SOLO ACT

Under 10

1^st  Joseph

Under 12

2^nd Martha          3^rd Emilia

Under 14

1^st Verity              2^nd Serafina

Under 16

2^nd Evie and Orlando

16 and over

1^st Ellie

DUOLOGUE

Under 10

1^st Joseph & Taron

Under 12

2^nd Clara & Martha

Under 14

2^nd Freddie & Gabriel

Under 16

1^st Evie and Verity

SHAKESPEARE OPEN

1^st Evie  2^nd Verity & Gabriel

Congratulations to the seven pupils who took part in the recent International Oratory Festival.

The Super Seven – Clara, Gabriel, Amelie, Serafina, Bay, Orlando and Evie – entered 10 classes and won five 1sts, six 2nds and eight 3rds.

Special mention to Gabriel and Orlando who were the winners of the Exceptional Achievement Award for multi-disciplinary Excellence!

Best in the Festival and winner of the Jubilee Shield went to …..drumroll….Evie. Well done Evie!

Huge congratulations to 13-year-old Gabriel Osborne! He recently successfully auditioned for the Young Everyman Playhouse. 

Since its launch in 2012, Young Everyman Playhouse (YEP) has provided opportunities for young people aged 13-25, no matter their circumstances. Across six different strands, YEP encourages the young people to see theatre in a new light by asking them to create many exciting experiences for different audiences.

Previous Young Everyman Playhouse members, who all have to successfully audition, are now applying to drama schools, bidding for funding for their own projects, pressing for work experience among our team and joining with other groups locally and nationally to programme and create work.

Gabriel will attend weekly classes YEP to develop his acting skills.  The sessions are led by experienced theatre practitioners and occasional masterclasses with national and international companies. Working as part of an ensemble, Gabriel will create a show to be performed at the Everyman.

Gabriel’s mum Victoria said: It is really exciting for Gabriel. He will get the chance to devise, work with text and explore the workings of a regional theatre. He can’t wait to get started.”

Gabriel’s recent solo success follows a great ‘partnership’ run with friend Freddie Thomason. Gabriel and Freddie perform their duologues together and have been a great hit at recent festivals!  They attend the same Saturday morning drama class at Formby High School and have both had Distinctions for all their LAMDA exams.

Says Mrs. Lamont: “They’re a tour de force! Both equally talented and a joy to teach!”

Lamont pupil 11-year-old Freddie Thomason hit the right note when taking part in BOS Musical Theatre Company’s Revue.

After opening night, Freddie received rave reviews for his singing ability in the West End inspired show which began on October 5^th. It runs until Saturday, October 8^th at Southport’s Little Theatre.

One reviewer wrote: “Another performance in Act Two which raised the hairs on my neck was ‘Electricity’ from the magnificent musical Billy Elliot, sang by Freddie Thomason. I’m told it was his first ever solo, and I sincerely hope it won’t be his last”.

The Revue is inspired by the musicals of the West End and the teams desire to share performances from popular shows that audiences may not get the chance to see at their local theatre. BOS MTC put together a programme of exciting songs from a variety of musicals.

The director of the show added: “One of our insanely talented youngsters will be singing Electricity. You will be blown away by Freddie’s performance and we can’t wait for you to see it”.

Go Freddie!

Lamont Drama pupil 11-year-old Isla Gie has taken her final curtain call as MATILDA in the West End.

It has been a ‘dream come true’ for Isla to play the lead role for the past 6 months and she has loved every second of the experience!.

Isla first went to see the show for her 4^th birthday and has dreamed ever since of playing Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre.

Says her Mum Katy:  It’s been a really wonderful experience for Isla. She had so much fun and loved being with all the cast members. After her six-month contract came to an end, we decided not to renew it because she has a few TV roles in the pipeline and she also just started in Year 7 in her new school.  It just seemed the right time to bid a fond farewell to Matilda but Isla and the whole family will forever cherish our fabulous memories of all the Crunchem Hall maggots!”

These are just a few of those amazing memories…..

All pupils gained the top mark of Distinction in our latest round of LAMDA examinations! 

Well done to you all!

Special mention to Lori-Jo and Flyn who both gained 100% for their Grade 7 exams. Flyn has his lessons from Cumbria via Skype – proving that remote teaching is no barrier to gaining the highest of marks!

Trophies for the highest marks over the last 2 sessions go to:

HENRY – JUNIOR GRADE – 96

JOSEPH – MIDDLE GRADE – 96

LORI-JO AND FLYN – SENIOR GRADE – 100

The full results are as follows:-

SPEAKING OF VERSE AND PROSE

ENTRY

Thanushka

GRADE 1

Jack, Henry, Luxsai

GRADE 2

Taron

GRADE 3

Joseph

GRADE 4

Emma

GRADE 5

Sujaani

GRADE 6

Jesikka

GRADE 7

Lori-Jo, Flyn, Vaishana

GRADE 8

Danish

Former pupil Josh Reais has been accepted to study at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York!

The accolade means he can follow in the footsteps of such acting greats as Robert Redford, Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly, Danny Devito, Anne Hathaway and Paul Rudd who all trained at the Academy.

Josh Reais

Josh has been offered a full-time place on the Academy’s Conservatoire Programme starting this Autumn. The course is movement-focused with a strong emphasis on physical theatre-based study.

New York Campus

Set in Madison Avenue’s landmark Colony Club building in Midtown Manhattan, the campus encompasses six full floors of classrooms, rehearsal halls, dance studios, dressing rooms, costume and prop departments, a production workshop, a student lounge, and an expansive library designed to serve the specific needs of acting students. Plus, its media studios are equipped with the latest video, lighting and editing systems—everything needed for exceptional on-camera training.

Another notable feature is its collection of impressive theatres that offer a variety of training and performance opportunities. Its 152-seat proscenium theatre, 164-seat thrust theatre and 103-seat arena-style theatre are all used for classes, rehearsals and full-scale productions.

Says Josh says: “I’m over the moon and I would really like to thank you for all your help over the years. The cost of the school is really expensive but they gave me a merited $7000 based on my skills from the remote video audition I did! It’s still not certain if I’ll be able to travel to America by September but I am doing my best to secure a bursary or scholarship now.”

Says Mrs Lamont; “What fantastic news! I am thrilled that your dream could happen if you can get funding! The pupils you helped teach as an Assistant Lamont Teacher will be so excited to hear of your success!

Always adorable – those curls won over the strictest of adjudicators and examiners!

“You came to me at a young age and developed so much over the years into a splendid actor. If things work out for you as well as they did for Robert Redford and Danny Devito I will be beyond proud – although not that suprised! Always a star in the making in my eyes!”

Congratulations to Lucas Frost for securing a place at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Drama in London to study for a BA Hons Degree in Musical Theatre.

The very talented Lucas Frost

Lucas has produced some incredible work whilst at Lamont Drama. Said Mrs. Lamont: “Lucas is a truly instinctive actor who is absolutely brimming with great ideas.

“He won lots of awards for his roles in local musical theatre productions and was always a force to be reckoned with when performing improvisations in the Saturday Speech and Drama classes with Lamont. I am still getting people mentioning to me how amazing he was as Miss Trunchball from Matilda. It was certainly one of my favourite acting pieces from the last few years. So, Lucas bring all the energy you displayed as Miss Trunchball to your new adventure! You will knock ‘em dead with your talent – but above all, enjoy!”

Skype teaching at Lamont Drama is going from Strength to Strength!

Up until a few weeks ago, Lamont Drama was reaching various pupils around the UK having first taught by skype several years ago to the Gie family in Cyprus. They have since moved to London, so their lessons are continuing remotely in the Capital alongside pupils in Manchester, Liverpool and the Wirral!

However, this week, Mrs Lamont carried out her first lesson in California!

10-year-old Amélie Henderson joined the school this week. Amélie is the daughter of Brit Nick Henderson, who is a former Lamont Drama pupil from the 80s!

He said: “Despite this very challenging situation we find ourselves in, I would like Amélie to start lessons with you. I realize the time difference may be tricky (minus 8 hours) but I thought I would ask all the same. Personally, your lessons gave me amazing opportunities in life and I’d love for Amélie to benefit from your incredible guidance and expertise”.

Proud Dad Nick with 10-year-old Amélie.

Mrs Lamont was both touched and excited from hearing from Nick after all these years and Amélie’s first lesson was a big hit! She is studying with Mrs Lamont for her first LAMDA exam. Amélie’s eight-year-old cousin Martha has been enjoying great success as a Lamont pupil in both her LAMDA exams, in festivals and as a member of the Lamont Casting Agency, so will be able to give her a few tips. Martha’s mum, Catherine Last is a fabulous singing teacher in Formby and she is also teaching Amélie.

Nick adds, “Amélie adores singing and performing. She can also flip backwards and forwards seamlessly between British and American accents!”

Said Mrs Lamont: “ Catherine and Nick both have a special place in my heart and I was very sad when their lessons came to an end so it is really great to be able to teach Martha and Amelie – the next generation of extremely talented Hendersons. So, a perfect addition to the Lamont Drama School! Well done Amélie and welcome!”

Lamont Drama is celebrating a hat trick of successes with the news that three senior pupils have been selected as members of the prestigious National Youth Theatre. They will be doing their two-week course for NYT members on-line over the Summer.

Joe Houghton, who attends St. Mary’s School in Crosby, started his Lamont journey at the age of 6 – following in the footsteps of big sisters Lucy and Jessica, who attended the school for many years. He achieved Distinction for his Grade 8 acting and is currently assistant teacher at Lamont Drama on a Saturday.

The very talented and much-loved Joe Houghton!

Lucas Jackson started at Lamont at age of 6. His big sister Amy already attended.  He excelled in all his exams culminating in attaining Distinction for his Grade 8 acting.

Couldn’t be prouder of the one and only Lucas Jackson!

Ellis Coulter, who attends LIPA sixth form, achieved Distinction for his Grade 7 Acting. He also featured in an episode of Hollyoaks at the beginning of this year. He joined as a teenager and has won many prizes in festivals for his acting.

Super talented Ellis Coulter is a star in the making!

Said Mrs Lamont, “I am so proud of all three boys. They are not only a very talented bunch but are also all a delight to be around. Joe, who assists me on a Saturday, is extremely popular with all the pupils and we are looking forward to re-commencing our classes in September and hearing about their NYT experiences. I’m sure Joe will bring back lots of great NYT ideas that will benefit our younger pupils.

“It’s such a tough audition process to get into the National Youth Theatre that I would have been delighted to receive news that one pupil had got in! Hearing that three had made the grade was just unbelievably good news! My own nephew Rory, who was lucky enough to become a NYT member just a few years ago attributes securing his top job in finance in Canary Wharf to his NYT credit and experience. So whether you become the next James Bond like Daniel Craig or follow a path outside of performance, the NYT can help you realise your dreams. I wish Joe, Lucas and Ellis all the very best for this next great adventure in their drama journey. So proud of you all, boys!”

Ever the comedian – Lucas Jackson celebrates becoming an NYT member!