Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s Sol Taibi has won the Luke Westlake Scholarship 2022 during the annual award ceremony at Lyric Hammersmith Theatre, London.

Eight finalists were chosen from over two hundred applications received from across the country. 

Sol Taibi grew up in working-class Middlesborough and discovered a love of acting at the age of 16. While studying for a BTEC in Acting, followed by a one-year professional acting course in Newcastle, he supported himself by working part-time at Sainsbury's.

Whilst auditioning for drama schools, Sol Taibi began cutting his teeth in the industry by performing in theatre in education tours and pantomimes. It wasn’t until April 2021, after applying for drama schools on six different occasions Sol was awarded a place Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. 

JAM’s Co-Executive Directors Liam McLaughlin and Kristian Wall said:

The selection process our 4th annual scholarship was by far the hardest yet. With a huge number of applicants, including a record number from Bristol Old Vic, we found the quality of actors to be outstanding. However, the panel’s clear favourite was Sol Taibi and we’re delighted to announce Sol as The Luke Westlake Scholarship 2022 winner. 

Through each round of the application process, Sol displayed incredible depth in characterisation and a clear and unique interpretation of the characters he was asked to read for. Most importantly, we all chimed with Sol’s down to earth and honest application about how the scholarship would support him. 

Following graduation, all eight of these finalists will be eligible to apply for The Prince William BAFTA Bursary, thanks to Just Add Milk's new partnership with British Academy of Film and Television Arts. This bursary is a fund that financially supports early-career creatives.