A huge congratulations are in order for Second Year student Orlaigh Dempsey-Clark, who has been announced today as one of the recipients of this year’s Laurence Olivier Bursaries. Orlaigh is one of eleven recipients of the annual bursary award, which aims to support Actors in training who “…demonstrate extraordinary promise but face financial barriers”.
Established in 1987 to celebrate the 80th birthday of Sir Laurence Olivier, the bursary scheme is facilitated by the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) through their charitable trust The Theatre Development Trust. In addition to the SOLT, the bursaries are expanded through the support of the Estate of Sir Peter and Lady Saunders, The Clothworker’s Foundation, The Behrens Foundation, the estate of Carmen Silvera, and The Casting Director’s Guild. The eleven bursaries awarded are named for these supporters of the Bursary Scheme. Orlaigh is one of four recipients for the Laurence Olivier Bursary.
Each year, nominees are put forward by drama schools across the UK and invited to audition on a West End stage, this year at St Martin’s Theatre. Each nominee is also interviewed by a panel of leading theatre professionals, chaired by SOLT President and National Theatre Productions’ Executive Producer, Kash Bennett.
Orlaigh’s success follows that of newly graduated Nico Minott, who was awarded the Carmen Silvera Bursary as part of the 2024 Laurence Olivier Bursaries. This bursary scheme is a lifeline to talented students like Orlaigh and Nico, who, once awarded, can look ahead to their final year of training without concern over paying rent, bills, and travel costs associated with living in London.
We’re all so proud of Orlaigh and all they have accomplished; this award is the cherry on top of a wonderful second year. From Eurydice to Hamlet, we’ve witnessed Orlaigh go from strength to strength, and we do not doubt that their final year will be filled with even more growth and passion for the craft of acting.
Orlaigh joins the ranks of some of the UK’s most celebrated performers as a Laurence Olivier Bursary recipient. Previous recipients include Michaela Cole, Deise Gough, Paterson Joseph, Ewan McGregor, and Michael Sheen.
You can read more about the Laurence Olivier Bursaries on the SOLT website, and you can read an interview with Orlaigh and the other recipients here.
Congratulations again, Orlaigh, we’re so happy for you!