I was fortunate to win the YOAM Acting Competition in 2005, an experience that came as a complete surprise. At the time, I was extremely inexperienced and had entered the competition on my first attempt. Given the prestige of YOAM and the exceptionally high standard of performers—many of whom would go on to become future winners—the result was both unexpected and incredibly humbling.

I had not attended any drama clubs or specialist theatre schools prior to entering. My introduction to performance came through studying GCSE Drama at Ballakermeen High School, where I appeared in the school production Candles. It was the director, Mr Chris Maybury, who encouraged me to enter the competition. With very little experience in the performing arts, I sought a small amount of private tuition and took the leap. What followed was a fantastic and invaluable experience. Creating a character, story and world from nothing—often with little more than a brief introduction—was both terrifying and exhilarating. It remains one of the most challenging yet rewarding skills an actor can develop, particularly when preparing for drama school auditions and professional work.

The added pressure of competition, something rarely found in the creative arts, mirrored the realities of auditioning and proved to be an invaluable early lesson. At the time of entering YOAM, I had already accepted a full scholarship to The Hammond School of Performing Arts in Chester, following a chance workshop led by their third-year touring company. The competition prize of a summer school proved to be a perfect trial run for living away from home, as I moved to Chester just a month later. After graduating, I returned briefly to the Isle of Man following a family bereavement, before relocating back to Chester and then on to London.

In London, I initially focused my time taking classes, workshops and attending networking events, finding my footing before securing representation and beginning to work professionally. While my training at The Hammond was broad, I became increasingly drawn to straight acting, particularly for television and film. After auditioning, I was accepted onto the MA Screen Acting course at Drama Centre London, where I trained in the Drama Centre actor’s methodology alongside screen-specific techniques and Meisner training. It was the perfect course for me, and I loved every moment. Following graduation, I joined a larger agency and worked professionally for the next seven years across television, film, theatre, and commercials.

Since returning to the Isle of Man in 2020, I have enjoyed reconnecting with the local performing arts community. I met my partner Leah, a two-time YOAM winner herself, and together we have been involved in a wide range of amateur dramatic productions and creative projects.

In November 2024, we welcomed our daughter, Story, and in April 2025 we founded Elite Theatre Arts, our own theatre school. The school has grown rapidly and now supports over 90 students from Douglas to Peel. Alongside this, I have been fortunate to direct several productions and have discovered a new passion in mentoring and teaching. Giving back to the Island’s aspiring performers—youth, amateurs, and ETA students alike—using the experience and training I’ve gained over the years is incredibly rewarding.

Winning YOAM all those years ago gave me the confidence to take my very first steps into a lifelong journey in the arts, and it is a privilege to now help others do the same.