Students Awarded Prizes from George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School is proud to announce that two of our talented students have been selected as recipients of the George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation. Bessy Mo (BA Costume for Theatre, TV and Film ‘25) and Callum Davies (BA Professional Acting ‘26) were nominated by Theatre School staff and selected by the Foundation to receive this significant recognition, alongside five other students training in creative disciplines at institutions across the country (pictured above; Callum first from left and Bessy fourth from left).

This marks the second time BOVTS students have benefited from the Foundation’s support, following our inaugural recipients in 2023. The Foundation continues its mission to help promising young adults establish themselves within the arts industry, providing crucial financial assistance to those who find government funding challenging to obtain or who come from lower-income backgrounds.

Bessy commented: “I am so grateful to the Hatfield family and the Foundation for supporting me through the final year of my degree. The award has enabled me to purchase materials for projects, including goldwork threads and natural dyes. Due to the generosity of the George Hatfield Foundation, I’ve gained skills that have solidified what I want from my future career and I can’t express enough how formative this has been for me. I feel lucky to be a small part in such a beautiful cause.”

Callum commented: “I am honoured to be receiving this award from the George Hatfield Theatrical Arts Foundation. Learning about George’s story and his impact has been a privilege and I am so happy to be associated with his story. I am so grateful to have the support of the foundation while I prepare to enter the industry. I also want to say a massive thank you to the Theatre School for nominating me and supporting me throughout my training.”

Bessy and Callum’s awards were celebrated at the Foundation’s annual gala fundraising event hosted by The Mill at Sonning last night (24 April 2025). The Foundation was established in memory of George, a talented young performer who passed away after receiving a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer during his musical theatre training. As well as presentations and other fundraising efforts the gala featured a very poignant musical performance – a recording of George singing ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables, accompanied by live musicians.

The Foundation, managed by George’s family and loved ones, represents his enduring legacy in the theatrical arts community. Through their fundraising efforts and dedication, they continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of promising young creatives.

For more information about George’s legacy and the Foundation’s work, please visit georgehatfieldtaf.org. Congratulations Bessy and Callum!