MFA 2025 Showcase

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School MFA Showcase 2025

Last week, our 2025 MFA Acting students brought all their hard work to an epic conclusion with their final showcase at the Leicester Square Theatre on the 11th September. Before heading to London, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek here at the School.

Under the direction of Georgina Sowerby, the hour-long performance flowed smoothly, featuring a mix of monologues and scenes that highlighted the students’ training in movement, voice, music, stage combat and more.

From powerful period dramas to modern comedies and fresh takes on classic films, the students showed versatility & commitment and were able to demonstrate how their training has helped shape their acting abilities and prepare them for their professional careers. 

A series of scenes from 1536 by Ava Pickett, performed by Cari Griffiths, Anna McAuley, and Clara Wessely, ran throughout the show, helping to link the different sections together and give the performance a breezy structure.

Cari Griffiths impressed with her natural style and excellent accent work in a duologue from Welsh play Nye, performed with James Hancock-Evans. She also delivered a funny yet uneasy monologue as a nervous host in The House Party.

James Hancock-Evans also stood out in scenes from The King of Comedy, and showed off his piano skills in his role as Amadeus. He accompanied Anna McAuley during her lively musical performance as Mrs Lovett, singing The Worst Pies in London from Sweeney Todd. Anna also gave a subtle heartfelt performance in Run Sister, Run with Meaghan Monaghan.

Meaghan Monaghan brought an American edge to USA classics King of Comedy and Bus Stop, and gave a unique state-side twist to Run Sister, Run by British playwright Chloe Morris.

Zara Stokes Neustadt showed a fantastic range, playing a stressed NHS worker in Tiger Country, switching to the stylised world of Killing Eve, and ending with a witty performance from Nell Gwynn.

Liam Donnelly Hickey joined Zara in Tiger Country, and later delivered an emotional monologue from Ruben Guthrie, an Australian film adapted for stage. He also had great comic timing in a duologue from Cock by Mike Bartlett, performed with Jack Richards.

Jack Richards gave a gripping monologue based on Midnight Mass by Mike Flanagan, and had strong chemistry in a scene from Yerma with Hollie Hurrell.

Hollie Hurrell tackled playing the iconic Lady Macbeth in Zinnie Harris’ Macbeth (An Undoing) and showed off her stage combat skills in a scene from Bullet Train, performed with Matthew Minaar.

Matthew Minaar not only showed his fast-paced patter in Bullet Train, but also delivered an intense monologue adapted from Blow by David McKenna, and added some great comedy alongside the cast in Nell Gwynn.

Clara Wessely took on a classic with a  monologue from The Seagull by Chekhov, adding a modern and accessible edge, and joined Phillip Bayntun for a charmingly awkward scene in the romantic comedy Strategic Love Play.

Phillip Bayntun showed strong voice and accent work in A Very Expensive Poison, and continued his dramatic run in the wartime piece Bully Boy by Sandi Toksvig, alongside Michael Cowan.

Michael Cowan also appeared in King of Comedy also showcasing his accent work and brought the evening to a moving close with an emotional monologue from Delay by Timothy X Atack.

This year’s MFA Showcase was a real celebration of everything the students have worked towards. Their talent, hard work, and dedication came through in every performance. It’s always a proud moment to see our graduating actors perform with such professionalism in front of an audience.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 – what a way to finish!

If you’re interested in studying at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre, applications are now open for our 2026 postgraduate courses. We also offer a range of short courses to suit everyone – let your inner creative shine in 2026. 

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