Bristol Old Vic Theatre School student Moronke Akinola wins 2019 Alan Bates Award

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School student Moronke Akinola has won the 2019 Alan Bates Award.

The award, organised by the Actors Centre in association with The Stage, recognises the most promising actor in the final year of drama school.

Akinola was presented with the award by last year’s winner Eilidh Loan at a ceremony at the Actors Centre in London on May 2.

Guildford School of Acting student wins 2018 Alan Bates award

She received a prize bundle worth over £5,000, which includes a year’s membership to the Actors Centre and £1,000 credit for workshops there as well as subscriptions to Equity, The Stage and Spotlight for a year.

Jemma Carlton, from Rose Bruford College, and LAMDA student Gilbert Kyem Jr were the runners-up.

The other finalists were Ami Okumura Jones, Grace Quigley and Eva O’Hara. All the finalists will receive a mentor to help continue their professional development.

The Alan Bates Award involves a four-stage audition and interview process, with the final round judged by ​Emilia playwright Morgan Lloyd Malcolm, actor Jade Anouka, casting director Sarah-Jane Price and director Charlotte Westenra.

Alan Bates Award producer Michelle Barnette said: “Our six finalists all possess an incredible talent and drive. In a rigorous process with 18 judges and over 300 applicants, it is no small feat to get through all four rounds.

“It is a true pleasure to watch the graduates grow through the process and I look forward to watching their careers flourish as they enter the industry.”