Read about UCL student Jordan Lam's experience attending the annual Hackney Shed Slam Final at Hackney Shed!
On the 7th of December in 2023, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Hackney Shed Slam Final. This incredible event showcased the talent and passion of eight young performers as they took the stage, pouring their hearts out as they delivered their captivating monologues.
The Hackney Shed Slam has a rich history and is organised every year, running from October to December. Students from various schools around Hackney prepare dramatic monologues and speeches for the competition. As the organiser, Hackney Shed provides immense support to the young talents by collaborating with a panel of judges, formed by professionals from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (Mairi Hayes), Hackney Empire (Fatima Sheekhuna) and a freelance theatre practitioner (Tara Boland).
The final took place at the BSix College Theatre. Upon entering, I witnessed the Hackney Shed staff working hard to fine-tune the technical aspects of the performances, ensuring a flawless presentation for each contestant. The anticipation was palpable as the contestants eagerly awaited their turn on stage. Once the competition began, the contestants delivered an incredible monologue showcase of diverse themes, ranging from comedic tales of making their stage debut to deeply emotional narratives. As an audience member, it was inspiring and almost unbelievable to see these young talents deliver such impactful performances!
... it was inspiring and almost unbelievable to see these young talents deliver such impactful performances!
Despite being a competition, Hackney Shed Slam maintains an atmosphere of celebration, highlighting the potential and achievements of local youth talents at Hackney. The awards and gifts presented to the winners were generously contributed by local businesses and charities, including The Castle Cinema, Hackney Empire, Yard Sale Pizza, and Pages of Hackney, fostering a strong sense of community. To conclude the event on a joyous note, one of the Hackney Shed staff members led a singalong for Mariah’s holiday classic, “All I Want for Christmas is You”. The room was filled with infectious joy as everyone joined in the celebration.
After their performances, I had the chance to speak to the contestants about their experiences. Many of them appreciated the competitive nature of Hackney Shed Slam, as it helped them to step outside their comfort zones. One contestant, who had not acted before, was grateful for the opportunity as it allowed her to “grow out of her shell” and discover a new side of herself. Additionally, many contestants expressed their appreciation the support they received from Hackney Shed throughout their journey. The collaborative workshops with drama teachers proved to be invaluable in preparing them for their performances. It was quite surprising to discover that most of them felt very nervous while waiting for their turn. Yet, as soon as they stepped onto the stage, they were determined to seize the moment in the spotlight!
Overall, Hackney Shed Slam has been an exceptional platform for celebrating the abilities of youth talents. I feel very grateful to have had the chance to witness the remarkable performances and learn more about the preparation that preceded the competition. All the best to Hackney Shed Slam in the following years to come!