School named regional winners in monologue speaking contest

PUPILS from a school in Caversham have been named winners of a speaking contest for the South East region.

Highdown School and Sixth Form Centre, in Surley Row, submitted entries to the National Youth Monologue Competition in June.

Four students from the school were selected as finalists to compete at the Ambassadors Theatre, in London.

The competitors were expected to memorise and perform a monologue, without costumes or props, meeting the criteria of either contemporary, classical, devised or original.

Emma Kelsall, 16, and Zoe Krecek, 15, competed in the contemporary category, Freya Williams, 15, took part in the classical category and Carli Zinzani, 14, competed in the devised category, which she won for key stage three.

Carli said: “As I stepped on the stage, my heart was racing, but I reminded myself of how well I knew the monologue and how well-prepared I was after filming myself at home and practising in front of my parents. I wrote my own monologue, exploring how it feels to be harassed and manipulated by someone. Since winning the competition, I feel a lot more confident in my own skills, and it felt great to know that other people liked my work as much as I do.”

Freya won the runner-up prize in key stage three. She said: “The moment I stepped on stage, my mind was racing. All of my months of preparation were going to be put to the test. When my name was announced, I was so excited! It made me realise that I have what it takes to become an actor.”

Students from Highdown, Alfie Brown, 15, Edward McCrum Tredinnick, 15, Freya and Bay Hackney, 13, were shortlisted as regional nominees.

Betsy Bramley, 13, Charis Salisbury, 13, and Enya Gallagher, 13, were all highly commended by the competition.

Overall, Highdown School was awarded the Southeast Regional Trophy, and they plan to display this “outstanding achievement” within the school.

Sherrie Lake, the curriculum leader for performing arts, said: “When I first heard about the competition, I knew it was something our students would excel in, and they proved exactly that.

“We are incredibly proud of their talent, creativity and dedication. It is a privilege to work with such inspiring young people, and the department is already looking forward to entering again in 2026.”