Lamont School of Drama is once again celebrating with another exceptional set of LAMDA Examination results.

In the late Summer 2020 session, 31 took an exam resulting in 27 Distinctions and 4 high merits! Thirteen gained 90+. Special mention goes to goes to Verity Clark who gained her Grade 7 exam with Distinction at the age of 11 and Evie Clark who gained her Grade 8 exam with Distinction at the age of 12!  Also, congratulations to siblings Megan (15) and Drew Hutchinson (13) who worked alongside each other on their Grade 8 exams and both gained the fantastic mark of 96!

Trophies for exam excellence are presented to the highest performing students.  The Junior Excellence Trophy was presented to Campbell Gie and Gadowl Oyedeji. The Intermediate Excellence Trophy was presented to Isla Gie. The Senior Excellence Trophy was jointly won by siblings Megan Hutchinson and Drew Hutchinson.

Lamont Drama Principal, Diane Lamont, said: “Our LAMDA results remain exceptionally high and that’s down to  pupils working extremely hard to achieve these spectacularoutcomes. I am very proud of them all.”

Megan and Drew Hutchinson both gained the incredible mark of 96 for Grade 8! This photo epitomises everything Lamont Drama is about. Working together with amazing work ethic and huge talent. Result: Both shining off the page! Well done guys!

Pupils Gaining Distinctions :-

ENTRY

Campbell Gie

GRADE 1

Gadowl Oyedeji, Emilia Guy

GRADE 2

Freddie Thomason, Aakash Muraleetharan, Charlie Geldart,Kisaan Vigneswaran

GRADE 3

Chayil Oyedeji, Olivia Hall,Isla Gie, Martha Last, Emily Rimmer

GRADE 4

Anishiha, Vigneswaran, Gabriel Osborne,Akshaara Muraleetharan, Hugh Tatler

GRADE 5

Lori-Jo Quinney, Ifeoluwa Oyedeji, Anushka Choudhary

GRADE 6

Vaishali Ilanko, Matilda Brookes-Jones

GRADE 7

Orlando Campolucci-Bordi, Verity Clark

GRADE 8

Evie Clark, Itsoghena Oyedeji, Drew Hutchinson, Megan Hutchinson

Congratulations to Lamont pupil David Coyne on receiving 4 A*s in his A Levels in Physics, Maths, Further Maths and Religious Studies.

David is off to the prestigious Bath University to do a Master’s in Civil Engineering for 5 years, hopefully spending a year abroad. Talented David also heard he’d passed his Grade 8 Violin and Grade 8 Flute which will sit alongside his LAMDA exams he achieved previously.

Says proud Mum Bernie: “ He’s had quite a year! There’s not been much of an opportunity for him to ‘perform’ although he did come first in the North West round of the Oxford Schools Debating Competition held in Manchester. He had been all set to travel down to Oxford University to compete in the Finals in March but unfortunately the event was cancelled at the last minute. He’s hoping there will be opportunities for debating at university as it’s something he’s really enjoyed.

“We’ve really been enjoying hearing about how well everyone else from Lamont Drama is doing. It’s lovely to see how those in David’s Speech and Drama group are growing into such accomplished young adults; I’m sure your guidance and hard work has played a significant part in their success. We’re looking forward to hearing more success stories of both your current talented pupils as well as all your former pupils. Thank-you for being a part of David’s formative years.”

Mrs Lamont, said: “Lovely to hear David’s exciting news. He has done so well! I REALLY enjoyed teaching David as he had such enthusiasm and was so creative with his ideas.  All the other pupils enjoyed working with him so much when he was in their group for a certain activity. He could have gone down so many routes, so it is interesting that he is doing Civil Engineering! I’m delighted that he now has Grade 8 in flute and violin as well as his speech and drama – quite a hattrick! But more importantly – David is a really lovely boy!  You both did a great job!  I’m sure you will both miss him a lot when he goes off to Bath!”

The invincible Lamont Drama School is….back!

When we all put our lives on hold, Lamont Drama also took a pause to comply with Government guidelines. During lockdown, we continued to nurture all our talented pupils via skype lessons and were rewarded this week with some of the best LAMDA exam results EVER (see our recent news story about the superb achievements of our last exam cohort)! Many more pupils are also sitting their exams at the end of August and September – so good luck to them!

But there is nothing like getting together – albeit in safe, socially distanced classes – to develop confidence, creativity and imagination as well as learning new skills, making new friends and above all, having fun!

SO, to all existing pupils who have waited so patiently for classes to resume – and to any new young people who would like to join us….we have fantastic news!

From September 5, 2020, Lamont Drama Saturday Morning Classes will return – in a fantastic new venue!

The DRAMA STUDIO at FORMBY HIGH SCHOOL – will be our new home on Saturday mornings!

Lights, Camera, Action! at Formby High

What can everyone expect:-

• Tried and tested brilliant fun classes to bring out the best in everyone
• Fully risked assessed centre for socially distanced activities – just like at school!
• Great parking
• New friendships
• Enjoying fun together

Says Principal Diane Lamont, who has more than 30 years teaching experience: “I’m very excited to resume classes as I have missed seeing in person all my pupils so much. The time is now right to allow pupils to come together again – albeit in a socially-distanced, responsible way. Our skype classes have been great but there’s nothing like bouncing ideas off each other in one space.

“Thank you to all the many pupils who have been asking when we will be back and for all your lovely supportive messages. Anyone new who wishes to join us, please give drop me an email and I will arrange for you to be welcomed on September 5^th in our new venue at The Drama Studio at Formby High School in Freshfield Road.”

The email to contact Mrs. Lamont is diane@lamontcasting.co.uk

Activities will be more socially-distanced than previously – but just as much fun!

Lamont School of Drama is celebrating this week with an exceptional set of LAMDA Examination results.

All pupils who sat their exams in July were awarded Distinctions, with 14 pupils gaining the exceptional results of 90+ marks.

Trophies for exam excellence are presented to the highest performing students.  The Junior Excellence Trophy was presented to Joseph Edwards, who achieved 94 marks. The Intermediate Excellence Trophy was presented to Serafina Campolucci-Bordi  who achieved 98 marks. The Senior Excellence Trophy was jointly won by sisters Evie and Verity Clark who both achieved 94 marks.

Lamont Drama Principal, Diane Lamont, said: “I am absolutely delighted for all my pupils who worked extremely hard to achieve these spectacular results. Many are already moving on to their next grades for further exam sessions later in the year and I look forward to equally excellent results then”.

The results are below:-

Speaking of Verse and Prose

Introductory Stage 2

Joseph Edwards

Entry

Emilia Guy

Grade 1

Freddie Thomason, Sujaani Mathanraj

Grade 2

Martha Last, Zara Murray-Cakar, Lois Cringle, Pip Charnley

Grade 3

Jesikka Rajkumar, Gabriel Osborne, Adyan Absar,  Anishiha Vigneswaran

Grade 4

Serafina Campolucci-Bordi

Grade 5

Danish Rajkumar

Grade 6

Orlando Campolucci-Bordi, Verity Clark, Isabel Chan, Louisa Whorton

Grade 7

Evie Clark

Grade 8

Varshaa Premakantha,  Joseph Bigley, Ellie Edwards

Joseph Bigley celebrates his superb achievement of achieving with Distinction Grade 8 – Gold Medal.

Solo Acting

Grade 8

Grace Wingate

The absolutely gorgeous Charlotte Russell – a very long-term Lamont pupil – has smashed her ‘A’ levels and secured a place to study law at Cambridge University.

Charlotte, who along with her younger sister Lydia took all her LAMDA exams at Lamont and successfully entered festivals for many years, achieved A* A* A in her exams.

Well done Charlotte!

Said proud mum Julie: “We wanted to share some exciting news with you. Charlotte got amazing results and will be starting at Sidney Sussex College at Cambridge University this October. It was an anxious wait, but she did really well at her interviews and was then offered a place. I still believe she is getting so much from her drama training and I’m sure it will help her in Law”.

A delighted Mrs. Lamont said: “I am so pleased for Charlotte as this is her whole dream come true!  Cambridge WOW!  Yes –  I think the LAMDA exam training will definitely have helped in the interviews.  Such a lovely unassuming girl and hard worker!  Also, so cool under pressure and such a great sense of humour.  We were always having a laugh about something!  She is really a one-off!  I will so miss teaching her but her fantastic achievement has made my day!”

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!

Many congratulations to Grace Wingate. The 15-year-old Lamont student has been accepted on the Musical Theatre Course at LIPA.

Talent runs in the family! She will join her brother Harry who is on the Music course. Grace is just about to embark on her Grade 8 Gold Medal LAMDA examination. Good luck Grace for both!