The Marlowe Graduating Actors’ Showcase is a long-held staple of the Cambridge Theatre scene. Every year, 14 graduating actors are selected to perform two monologues (one classical, one contemporary) in front of industry professionals, including major talent agencies. Since its inception 20 years ago, the Showcase has bridged the gap between student theatre and the industry, giving extraordinary student actors the chance to perform in a professional London theatre. Under the professional direction of Imy Wyatt Corner, this year’s actors have spent a month fine-tuning their chosen extracts, with the London showcase preceded by a Cambridge run at the ADC.

“It’s all about people and their stories”

Highly competitive and enshrined in myth and rumour, The Marlowe Society was founded in 1907 and has since produced household names such as Emma Thompson and Ian McKellen, and in 2017 Emma Corrin. But the focus of this year’s production has instead been on the joy of collaboration. One of two student assistant directors, Hetty Opayinka, explains “the stakes can feel incredibly high for the actors involved, but trying to root the experience in the tangible—skills gained, friendships made—rather than any theoretical representation that may come from it has been our strategy”.

As such, the rehearsal process has involved not only 1-1 sessions, but weekly group workshops, which Hetty and her co-assistant director, Jake Fenton, lead together. Hetty describes these bigger rehearsals as “a chance for everyone to get to know each other and let off steam through some pretty competitive rounds of Ninja. I think there’s a real sense of camaraderie in these sessions and, as the weeks have progressed, they’ve become a space where the actors seek advice from their peers on their monologues, their craft more generally, and future plans.”

One of this year’s performers, Izzie Harding-Perrott, recounts that these rehearsals have made the Showcase feel “like you’re part of a supportive company” rather than one in a series of monologists—a testament to the success of Jake and Hetty’s vision, founded in kindness and togetherness. As such, Izzie reveals “I can’t wait to watch everyone in action on the night”, as much audience member as they are actor.

“Monologues explore bereavement, grief, sexuality and sexual deviance”

Jemima Langdon, another member of this year’s cast, shares Izzie’s sentiment: “For me, the most exciting part about Marlowe is the people. I feel unbelievably lucky to have been able to work with a group of such wonderfully talented people, who have all brought something different to the process and through their performances. To be performing alongside these people is such a privilege, and I hope people enjoy watching it as much as I have enjoyed being part of it.”

So, what can audiences expect from the show itself? “A diverse range of monologues,” Hetty tells me; this year’s contemporary offering includes everything from Mark Ravenhill to Michaela Coel to self-written pieces, whilst the classical monologue choices span almost the entirety of Shakespeare’s dramatic canon. She elaborates “because this year’s actors are a diverse group with a range of artistic interests—this year’s monologues explore bereavement, grief, sexuality and sexual deviance, peer pressure, love, joy, violence, peace and the supernatural. Something for everyone I’d say.”

Performer Laurie Ward, who wrote and starred in this year’s CUADC Edinburgh Fringe play, Real, Mad World, has written an original monologue for her contemporary piece, which traces “a movement from consuming memory to politically charged confrontation. I knew I wanted to perform something about being trans, and I realised quickly the only way I could do that was by writing my own monologue”. Laurie credits the directors for their “serious delicacy and care,” and their talent, a further indication of the success of their remodelling of the rehearsal room.

Above all else, Hetty remains in awe of “the level of talent in this group of actors [...] I’ve been able to explore emotional processes that are incredibly complex because the actors are capable of delivering”. The showcase is a dynamic afternoon of storytelling, the product of a rehearsal process built around the power of conversations and of caring. Hetty summarises: “I think it’s really highlighted to me how relational this entire industry is. It’s all about people and their stories, and I’ve loved learning about all the ones wrapped up in this showcase”.