Great success for Lisburn actor in ‘MonologueSlam’

The event has attracted some of the UK top Directors such as Nick Bagnall, Clint Dyer, Paulette Randall, Phillip Hedley, Gregory Thompson, Topher Campbell, as well as BBC Casting Directors, Sarah Hughes, Nicky Bligh and John Cannon leading to a number of big success stories, including the casting of MonologueSlam winner Ryan Calais Cameron in the Westbridge at the Royal Court, after being seen by director Clint Dyer.

Cathal battled his way to the final 10 out of 100. After a very competitive two rounds Cathal found himself performing on the Grand Stage of Rich Mix in Shoreditch London to a sold out crowd of over 250 industry professionals, actors, family and friends on Monday night (October 15).

“This was the largest audience I have performed in front of, by myself,” explained Cathal, who entered the competition in early July.

Cathal entered into the three minute ‘Heavy weight’ round, where he was to perform a monologue from a Frank McGuinness play, ‘Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me’.

“This monologue explores the thoughts and feelings of and Irish journalist kid napped during war and his time in a Lebanese Prison,” continued Cathal. “It was a very warm and friendly atmosphere with a supportive audience and a great team of actors to work with.”

Cathal is a final year Aator at The School of the Arts, Northampton and was an underdog in this competition as the other competitors were drama school graduates and industry professionals, many currently in work, with one competitor fresh out of the RSC rehearsal room that day. Others represented by large agencies. Cathal is currently unrepresented but this showcase allowed him to meet the industry and introduce himself with an end result of two agencies searching for his signature.

Cathal started his acting career with local theatre company ‘Fusion Theatre’, which he is proud to say as many talented young Northern Irish actors and actresses have come from here.

He moved on to work in Belfast theatre companies such as New Lyric Operatic and Ulster Operatic and was given his first major role at the Brian Friel Theatre Belfast with Kaleidoscope NI’s Production of ‘Romeo and Juliet’, in which he played William Shakespeare’s great tragic hero ‘Romeo’.

Cathal not only frequents the stage but enjoys time in front of the camera as he has credits with HBO, Stuber Productions, Universal and BBC NI.

He is currently working with professional company ‘The Paper Birds’ in a devised physical theatre play called ‘We Were Warned’, which will be performed at Isham Studios Northampton from October 26 - 31.

To follow Cathal’s current work and other projects he is involved with follow him on Twitter @CathalJFerris_.