Two local up-and-coming stars of the stage have been given a boost as they further their careers in the performing arts.

Abbie Williams and Lewis Pycroft were each awarded a bursary by the Douglas Choral Union, which will go to help them as they taken on further studies in drama, dance, music and theatre in courses based in UK universities.

Despite their young ages, both the actors have already gained a lot of experience in performing on the Manx stages.

Abbie came to prominence in 2019, when she won the title of ’Young Actor of Mann’, performing two different short pieces of drama that left the judges stunned by her characterful stage presence and acting ability.

She has been involved in several DCU productions, along with other local societies, and showed another side to her stage skills when she danced in one of the lead roles in the musical version in the children’s book, ’M is for Manx Cat: The Musical’.

Abbie is currently studying acting at Read College in Reading.

Lewis has been studying virtual theatre and digital experience at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance, in Sidcup, England, since September.

He is extremely passionate about the course, the first of its kind in the UK, and Lewis and the Douglas Choral Union say they are thrilled to be promoting a fresh and innovative aspect of theatre.

’We were again so impressed with the quality of the applicants and the final decision was one of the hardest yet,’ said Gary Corkhill, chairman of Douglas Choral Union.

’We are confident that our successful bursary winners, Abbie and Lewis, will go far in their chosen field and we are delighted to be able to help them complete their studies.

’Once again, we are indebted to our title sponsor, DQ Advocates, for its continued support of our bursary scheme, without whom we would not be able to provide such opportunities for our young people.

’While the DCU is 125 years old and proud of its history and traditions, we are always looking forward to the next challenge.

’I am particularly excited to hear back from Lewis about his virtual theatre and digital experience degree to gain an insight into what the future for live theatre may hold for us at Douglas Choral Union and the Manx theatre scene in general.’

In recent years DCU has brought shows such as The Sound of Music, The Producers, Sister Act, and most recently, Shrek the Musical to the Isle of Man. It is currently in rehearsals for its next production, ’The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, which will be performed at the Gaiety Theatre from 11th-19th February 2022.