Drama students

Drama students

at schools get top bursaries

EACH year since the 80th birthday of Lord Olivier, the Society of London Theatre (SOLT) awards 16 bursaries to students studying in drama schools across the UK. Principles of the conservatoires are invited to propose two nominees each with the winners being chosen by a panel of theatre professionals at auditions on a West End stage. Previous winners of the awards, which total over £50,000, include Ewan McGregor, pictured, and yesterday's list included Royal Conservatoire of Scotland student Emily-Jane McNeill, soon to be seen at the Edinburgh Fringe at Surgeon's Hall in the Ink Dolls' show Flat Pack.

l solttma.co.uk

Coffee play tells

remarkable tale

MIKE Maran's current touring show Indian Peter's Coffee House is one of three productions he'll bring to Valvona & Crolla on Leith Walk in August. It is the story of remarkable Scotsman Peter Williamson who was enslaved in North America in the 18th century as a prelude to a life of adventures. Maran's new show features live fiddle and song by Rona Wilkie and can be seen at Appin Hall tonight and Easdale Island Community Hall on Saturday. Next Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28, it visits Inverness and Ullapool before a date at Brinam Arts Centre on Wednesday July 30 precedes the Fringe run.

l mikemaran.com