Teen puts on flawless show

A MONOLOGUE that took three minutes to deliver but six months to perfect has won a Prestbury teenager a award for his craft.

Thirteen-year-old Oliver Rushton triumphed at the British and International Federation of Festivals North West Championships for Speech and Drama with his performance.

Oliver, who is in year nine at King’s, has already been crowned the Alderley Edge Festival champion, portrayed the touching Shakesperian clown Lancelot Gobbo to lift the North-West Championship against 10 fellow top festival winners from across the region.

Oliver, who was one of the youngest in the competition and wants to be an actor, said: “You have to get into the character, be the character and though you are delivering a single speech understand his part in the play and everything he feels.”

He added: “It’s a great part to play, Lancelot Gobbo is very funny but also deep and meaningful. As I have been performing the piece at various festivals over last six months, I have been continually refining my performance and finding something else to offer every time I go in front of the judges.”

He added: “No matter how many times you perform, it’s still a little nerve-wracking before you begin, but wonderful when you get into the piece.”

A member of the Lowry Young Actors Company and, Oliver also loves popular drama as well as the Bard and says his favourite actor is Will Smith.

Principal of the King’s Boys’ Division Ian Robertson, principle of King’s boys division, said: “Oliver has succeeded at a very high level and shown both great oratory skills and a deep sensitivity beyond his years.”