Meet the 2025 Laurence Olivier bursary recipients

Meet the 2025 Laurence Olivier Bursary recipients 

Following the news that 11 drama school students from across the UK have been awarded Laurence Olivier bursaries, we caught up with a few of the recipients to find out what the bursary means to them. 

Now in its 38th year, the Laurence Olivier bursaries are awarded to exceptional students who are entering their final year of drama school. Past recipients include some of the UK’s most celebrated performers, such as Michaela Coel, Denise Gough, Bryony Hannah, Paterson Joseph, Ewan McGregor, Daniel Rigby, Vinette Robinson, and Michael Sheen.  

Let’s meet some of this year’s recipients… 

What does this year’s bursary mean to you? 

Elysia Showman (far left top): I am so honoured and so grateful to receive this award! I absolutely love my training at BOVTS. Every day I do something that scares me – dig a little deeper and learn a little bit more about myself and the craft of acting. Entering third year is incredibly exciting and at the same time slightly daunting. Now with the financial help of the award I do feel the pressure is slightly lifted and I can focus fully on the next step and really enjoy the hard work and excitement that comes with my final year at drama school. 

Jack Roriston Baird (far left bottom): Receiving this bursary means so much to me. I was incredibly honoured to have been invited to audition, let alone be awarded it. It is also so exciting to be showcasing the brilliant teachings of the RWCMD Musical Theatre course, so it’s further represented in the industry. 

Orlaigh Dempsey-Clark (centre left top): This bursary means that I can afford to finish my final year at drama school, which involves moving to London. I can now focus on what’s important – creating beautiful art instead of paying the bills at the forefront. 

Nadya Stoycheva (centre left middle): Receiving this bursary is an absolute honour and it will impact my final year significantly. The experience of auditioning on a West End stage was surreal and will always be an unforgettable moment. As a girl who once thought drama school wasn’t going to be an option, to now be going into my final year at Arts Ed is a dream come true. 

Jasmine Carson (centre left bottom): Winning this bursary means the world to me. I have always been financially independent and managing this alongside the hours that drama school requires has been an incredibly draining experience. To have the heavy burden of my financial worries lifted is something I’ll forever be grateful for. I’m now able to give myself time to work on both my health and my craft instead of trying to juggle it all. 

Olivia Mae Baker (centre right top): This bursary means so, so much to me. It is proof that finances for working class families doesn’t have to be a hinderance – meaning that my third and final year of study doesn’t have to be filled with financial anxiety! I am extremely lucky to have been given this opportunity and thank everyone at the SOLT & Laurence Olivier Bursary Team for making this a reality. 

Jayce Koroma (centre right bottom): It lets me know I truly have no limits; I can go as far as my hard work extends. Gaining this bursary is the recognition of that hard work and motivates me to push further to prove that the panel were right to choose me.  

Scarlett St Clair (far right top): Receiving the Laurence Olivier Bursary is a great honour and comes at a crucial point in my training. As I begin my final year, this support not only eases financial pressure but also serves as a meaningful vote of confidence in my potential. Most importantly, it allows me to focus fully on why I’m here – to grow as an artist, refine my craft, and make the most of every opportunity in this final stage of training. I’m deeply grateful for this recognition. 

Lex Richardson (far right bottom): Receiving the Laurence Olivier Bursary has been an incredible honour and a true turning point in my training. It has not only eased my financial strain and lifted a massive weight off my shoulders, but being recognised in this way has strengthened my confidence.  I feel even more motivated to grow as a performer and contribute to the future of theatre. Getting to meet and perform in front of such an amazing panel of professionals was an experience I will take with me throughout my journey.    

What do you see as being the most important to the future of the theatre industry? 

ES: I think our job as actors is to tell the stories that people need to hear – and should hear -and to give a voice to those who may otherwise not get heard. Theatre and the arts are a gift, and we need to continue to support and protect it. The future of the theatre industry rests on every one of us continuing to support the arts whilst making theatre accessible to all. One of the most important things for this to happen is for children of all ages, from every walk of life, to have access to be a part of theatre. That is our future and that is how we can continue to not only survive but to thrive as an industry. 

JRB: In my opinion, the theatre industry needs to continue driving towards more equal representation of all aspects in all shows. For example, as a plus size performer, it can often be disheartening seeing a lack of body diversity at multiple shows. To me, there is no reason why a plus size performer cannot play more than just the “fat funny friend” typecast. The theatre industry needs more representation & diversity. 

OD-C: Keeping the support of up-and-coming artists and supporting in any way we can to help keep voices being heard and stories being told. 

NS: I believe the most important factor, and what I would love to continue to see in this industry, is the sharing of new writing and stories which represent everyone – allowing people to feel seen. For me personally, I aspire to add my own stories through the lens of both my Bulgarian background and my multicultural upbringing in London! 

JC: Representation for all whose stories and lived experiences are yet to be represented on stage. I think it is imperative that we do not shy away from realities that can be far removed from our own and that we stay truthful to what is going on currently in the world. The theatre industry must be an inclusive space for all and everyone’s voice must be heard. 

OMB: As we’re seeing a great growth in diversity and inclusion in our industry, I think it’s more important than ever that this continues! Whether this is ethnicity, age, gender, sexuality – or where you come from, everyone has a place within our industry – and these stories MUST be told! We need to see more working-class artists – northern voices need to be heard! 

JK: The stories and struggles of people of colour being pushed to the forefront of theatre. Where I’m from, people don’t watch plays because they feel they can’t relate. I used to be one of those people but since coming to drama school, I was exposed to a host of black playwrights and plays which ignited a passion for theatre within me. 

SSC: Theatre is a reflection of the society we live in, which makes it essential that it represents all kinds of people and experiences. For the future of theatre, what matters most to me is creating lasting opportunities for everyone – regardless of background, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Too often, talented individuals are held back, not by their abilities but by systemic challenges. Viola Davis once said, “The only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity.” Her words highlight the urgent need for greater equity in the industry. To truly reflect the diversity and complexity of our world, theatre must continue to break down barriers and actively support underrepresented voices both on stage and behind the scenes. 

LR: I believe the most important factor for the future of the theatre industry is accessibility – both in terms of who gets to tell stories and who gets to experience them. Creating inclusive, diverse and affordable theatre ensures that new voices are heard and broader audiences feel represented. Embracing innovation while honouring tradition will keep theatre alive, relevant and reflective of the world we live in today.   

What’s your dream role, and why? 

ES: I want to be a part of stories that mean something by playing characters who are gritty, honest and real – to represent women as we are in life, not a 2D idea of a woman. So, for me there isn’t a particular dream role but a need to give every role understanding and truth. To be raw and honest, bring all the strengths and weaknesses that we as humans have. But whatever I do I would like to come off the stage every time thinking “yeah, I did that character justice tonight – I told their story.”  

JRB: It would be a dream to be in Operation Mincemeat! It’s such an incredible show and to tell a brilliant true story eight shows a week would be a major life highlight!  

OD-C: I think I’m too greedy to have one dream role! but I would love to follow the footsteps of David Tennant and Jodie Comer and the stories they bring to life.  

NS: My dream stage role would be as Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I saw the 2019 Bridge Theatre production and the immersive qualities heightened the magical world of the play and developed my love for Shakespeare. For a screen role, I would love to play something similar to Jodie Comer’s portrayal of Villanelle in Killing Eve because I love the emotional complexity and the three-dimensional elements of the character. 

JC: My dream role is Puck from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which wasn’t a character I’d ever thought of playing before I started a Shakespeare term in second year and had the opportunity to play him. I don’t think there’s a bigger, bolder, more excitable character than him. I don’t think there’s anything more exciting than getting to play a naughty fairy running around a forest causing mischief for everyone! 

OMB: I have a few actually! I hope to go into Six as a graduate – I was always obsessed with Tudors and history as a child in high school so it would be so fun to do! I’d also love to play the likes of Sally Bowles in Cabaret or Diana in Next to Normal – or ANYTHING at the National Theatre – I think it’s such an incredible space that produces some of the finest works! 

JK: Well currently it is the main male lead in Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson, but generally I have always wanted to play a slightly unhinged, charismatic, mercurial character like The Doctor (David Tennant) or The Joker (Heath Ledger). 

SSC: I wouldn’t say I have one specific dream role. My passion lies in telling the stories of real people. I am always most inspired by characters based on a person’s lived experience. Bringing their story to life as an actor, is one of the biggest responsibilities, yet the greatest of honours. So perhaps my dream role hasn’t been written yet, because someone still needs to live it. 

LR: My dream role would have to be Bonnie, in Bonnie And Clyde. I love that musical and have done since I started training. I think Bonnie is fearless, passionate and emotionally complex. Her journey from dreamer to outlaw offers such rich depth and intensity and I’m drawn to her fierce loyalty and longing for more. It’s a role that demands both vulnerability and fire – and I’d love the chance to bring that to life and sing some of the amazing songs in the show!   

Congratulations to all the winners of this year’s Laurence Olivier Bursaries – you can find out more about the bursaries and see all the winners here.