Island actress wins award in national competition

Ruby Tapp wearing a black top with a white shirt over the top of it. She is drinking from a glass which is in her left hand. She has shoulder-length brown hair and is looking to the left.Image source, Alan Robin
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Ruby Tapp won the award for her acting in the play Kin

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A Guernsey-based actress has taken home a top award from the National Drama Festival in Birmingham.

Judges awarded Ruby Tapp Best Actress for her performance in Kin - a play she described as a "rollercoaster".

Kin made its debut at Guernsey Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Club One Act Play Festival where it also won the best play award.

Ms Tapp said Kin, a two person play directed by Naomi Leach, was about two estranged sisters who come together following the death of their father.

Two women on stage pulling a scarf between them. One woman is stood on a red sofa, and the other woman is stood on the floor. There is a dining table on the right with a chair pulled out. To the right of the sofa, there is a wooden side table with a white cup on it.Image source, Alan Robin
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Guernsey actress Ruby Tapp won the award for best actress

"It's a dark comedy even though it feels very sad and deep with a lot of emotion, there is a good amount of humour," said Ms Tapp.

Ms Tapp, who trained in musical theatre and is a dance teacher, said acting was out of her comfort zone and she was nervous to perform.

She said: "For all the other plays I've done, this one was the one I was most nervous for.

"Acting comes with so many risks and you have to take bigger risks and be more authentic to human experience.

"You want to do people's stories justice because people have gone through the emotions we are trying to portray, and we want to make sure it's done right."

Ruby Tapp (left) and Danielle Jade (right) stood outside of a building. There is writing on the glass window behind them which reads 'ARTIX'. Danielle is holding a flyer with the words 'KIN' on it.Image source, Naomi Leach
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Ruby Tapp and her co-star Danielle Jade played the two sisters in Kin

Ms Tapp said the award has "boosted" her confidence in acting.

She said: "I would love to do some more plays, I don't know what yet, but I'm sure it's not too far down the line because I can't stay away from the stage."

Her advice to aspiring actors was to take risks and experiences.

"There are so many opportunities in Guernsey so have a look around. Also, watch theatre, it is completely inspiring…find the theatre you like," she added.

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