Battle of the Bards 2026

In this competition, you will step into the roles of both performer and director by delivering monologues or duologues in a minimalist ‘black box’ style. There are no costumes required; you only need a single prop and a chair if you need one. This format highlights the power of your voice, movement, and storytelling.

As a finalist, you'll showcase your chosen piece in front of a live audience and a panel of professional judges from the fields of theatre and literature. You'll also receive valuable feedback from your peers through a student judging panel. The focus is on how you interpret, embody, and communicate Shakespeare’s text, creating a captivating experience for everyone involved.

At its heart, Battle of the Bards is about more than just performance. It nurtures your sense of ownership, artistic independence, and critical thinking. By directing yourself and interpreting classical texts in your own voice, you’ll not only enhance your performance skills but also cultivate leadership, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. This programme promotes resilience through healthy competition, encourages deeper engagement with literature, and builds your confidence in public speaking and self-presentation, skills that will benefit you in both personal and academic pursuits.

Are you ready to dive in and demonstrate your creativity and talent? Join us at Battle of the Bards!