Outstanding young actor Ivanno Jeremiah has been announced as the winner of this year’s Alan Bates Bursary at the Actors Centre. The award will be presented at a special event at the Actors Centre on Thursday 10 June at 3.30pm by Zoe Wanamaker, currently starring in the acclaimed West End production of ALL MY SONS. The recent RADA graduate was selected by judges Richard E Grant and Lesley Sharp, from over 200 entrants, to win the prestigious award worth £2,000. Ivanno is delighted with the award, saying “I'm chuffed to have won the Alan Bates Award. It's been incredibly encouraging to receive a nod from those in the Theatre world who have worked with such distinction. Aside from the great exposure, the extremely well-aimed award is sure to be a considerable leg up for what will hopefully be a long and dedicated career. I look forward to roaming the halls of the Actors Centre as often possible.” The Alan Bates Bursary, supported by The Gordon Foundation and named in honour of the Centre’s much loved former patron, has been running for 6 years. The winner receives membership of the Actors Centre for 1 year and classes to the value of £1000. They also get a year’s Spotlight subscription and receive subsidies to cover other career expenses such as headshots, show reels, voice demos or a personal website. Caroline Byrne, Membership Manager at the Actors Centre said “The Alan Bates Bursary gives young actors an incredible kick-start to their career. We are thrilled that Ivanno is this year’s winner. He is a very gifted and exciting young actor and this bursary will enable his smooth transition from drama school into the industry.” Following the first round of auditions 16 candidates were chosen to attend a workshop held by the Artistic Director of the Actors Centre, Matthew Lloyd. Of these, 6 actors were put forward to the final, which was panelled by Lesley Sharp and Richard E Grant. Runners-up to the award were Tom Secretan (LAMDA) and Nick Blakeley (Bristol Old Vic).