We're coming to the end of the showcase season for the drama schools. Given the unfortunate importance of these events for those involved, it would seem to me a good idea to present the showcase to 1) school colleagues and then 2) to friends and family, so that the presentation to the profession becomes the third time the students have performed the show. It would give the actors a fighting chance to relax, gain confidence and perform at their best.

I also don't know why the drama schools don't ensure the first and second year students see the third-year showcase, so that they are aware of how it works, they can spot the pitfalls and plan for their own graduation showcase.

When I was in my own showcase I did a speech from Konstantin in The Seagull. I got an enormous laugh on the first line, which I wasn't expecting. Had I known this was likely to happen, it would have helped!