2025 Luke Westlake Scholarship Shortlist Announced
We are delighted to announce the shortlist for the 2025 Luke Westlake Scholarship.
Ashleigh Alana, Kyle Casey, Annabel Gray, Simrita Khela, Thomas Mac Diarmada, Jasmine MacGregor, Sarah Jane Mulgrew and Alana Ruddy (L-R).
The scholarship, which continues to champion working-class actors across the UK, has once again attracted an exceptional range of applicants from drama schools nationwide. After a rigorous selection process, eight talented finalists have been shortlisted for this year’s award:
Ashleigh Alana – Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Kyle Casey – Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Annabel Gray – LAMDA
Simrita Khela – Guildhall School of Music and Drama
Thomas Mac Diarmada – LAMDA
Jasmine MacGregor – Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Sarah Jane Mulgrew – RADA
Alana Ruddy – Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Now in its seventh year, the Luke Westlake Scholarship continues to celebrate and support emerging working-class actors as they transition from training into the professional industry.
Supported by Act On This – The TV Actors’ Network
This year’s scholarship is proudly sponsored by Act On This – The TV Actors’ Network, whose support ensures the continuation of JAM’s mission to empower and provide tangible support to working-class performers at the start of their careers.
The 2025 scholarship has also been made possible through the generous backing of AKO Capital LLP, One on One / Next Level, Simon & How Associates, Thomas Hopkins Productions, Applause For Thought, Creative Artists Management (CAM), BBA Management, Rob Hughes, and Emma Bloomfield.
BAFTA Partnership
As part of the scholarship’s ongoing partnership with BAFTA, all shortlisted actors will automatically be eligible for the Prince William BAFTA Bursary. After graduating from their training, shortlisted finalists will be invited to apply for this prestigious bursary to further support their early professional careers.
Scholarship Awards Evening
The Luke Westlake Scholarship 2025 Awards Evening will take place at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre on Thursday 4 December 2025, and is open to the general public.
The evening will feature a celebration of the finalists’ work, captivating performances, and the announcement of this year’s winner. Tickets are priced at £15.00, with all proceeds directly reinvested into the running costs of the scholarship to ensure its continued success in supporting future working-class talent.
A Message from Lee and Bridgette Westlake
“We are delighted that the scholarship so kindly dedicated by JAM to the memory of our son Luke continues to grow from strength to strength. It is an amazing opportunity and we urge all those eligible to apply.
We look forward to seeing another excellent field of candidates and this year we hope to meet in person to celebrate the fantastic talent that we know will come forward.”
– Lee & Bridgette Westlake
