The first round of the Young Actor of Man has been held at the Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen High School, in Douglas.

The annual competition which is run by the Manx Amateur Drama Federation is open to residents in the Isle of Man between the ages of 13 and 19 years.

Competitors were required to perform two contrasting pieces from published plays and musical theatre, including Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, Les Misérables, Oklahoma and many more.

It was adjudicated by Alan Haslett.

Nineteen competitors took part and eight finalists were chosen to go forward to compete for the title of Young Actor of Mann 2018.

The eight finalists are: Emma Bowker, Niamh Murdoch, Elizabeth Shooter, Joseph Long, Roman Trimble, Jack Smollen, Mathilda Whittle and Amy Gravestock.

The final, in which they will all perform two different pieces, will be held on Wednesday, April 4, to coincide with the Easter Festival of Plays.

MADF provides a bursary to the value of £500 for the winner to be used for fees towards attending a UK summer school / holiday workshop at a drama school of the winner’s choice.

The winner of the Young Actor of Mann 2017 was Alexandra Slater and the runner up was Joseph Long.