A teenage schoolgirl has performed on a West End stage after reaching the final eight of the National Youth Monologues 2026.

Tabitha Buck (13) who lives in Chipping and attends Westholme School, wrote and performed an original contemporary monologue at the National Final, held at London’s Trafalgar Theatre. The competition attracted thousands of young actors from across the UK.

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No stranger to the spotlight, Tabitha previously won the Rising Star award at Westholme’s year eight Performing Arts Night of Achievement and she recently starred as Mrs Banks in the school’s production of Mary Poppins.

Tabitha Buck has performed on a West End stage after reaching the final eight of the National Youth Monologues 2026.

Tabitha said: “I was really excited when I found out I had been shortlisted. Writing and performing my own monologue was a challenge, but I have enjoyed every part of the process. Drama is something I love, and at Westholme I’m given the chance to be creative and step into different characters. To be recognised in a national competition and attend the final in London was an incredible opportunity.”

Tabitha’s achievement adds to a remarkable run of national recognition for performing arts at Westholme. The school recently won the prestigious Starlight Express school’s competition, securing the opportunity to perform on a London stage, and received three awards at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) North West Awards.

Mrs Holland, Director of Performing Arts at Westholme, said: “We are incredibly proud of Tabitha. To reach the last eight in her category from nearly 4,000 entries is a remarkable achievement. She represented her school and the North with real distinction, and we have no doubt this is just the beginning for her.”