Tunstall Award

Award in the name of the actor and alumnus Robert Tunstall.

This award was set up in memory of Robert Tunstall, a Central alumnus who excelled in Shakespeare and verse-speaking. 

Courses: The Tunstall Award is for students on the BA (Hons) Acting courses. 

Eligibility: Home/EU/Overseas.

Value/Number of Awards: There will be a minimum of 1 x £500

Duration of Award: 1 year

Application Details: Must be a current student on an eligible course. An email with a link to the application and guidance notes will be sent to current students on 06 December 2023. Applications will close 03 January 2024.

Robert Tunstall (1933-2005) came to Central after reading English at University College Oxford.  He very much enjoyed his time at Central and won the Spotlight Award in 1957 (together with Judi Dench).

During his career, Robert acting at most of the theatres in the country where he won a reputation as a consummate professional and a quiet, reflective performer.  He appeared in the West End many times and, towards the end of his career, he performed at the National Theatre in productions included the David Hare trilogy, ‘After the Fall’, and ‘Johnny on the Spot’.  Further afield, Robert relished the challenge of playing an Irish priest in an all Irish cast).  Having played the part of Father Jack in The National Theatre’s production of ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ at the Phoenix Theatre, he was then invited to recreate his performance at the Abbey Theatre, Dublin.  He was then invited to perform the role for a performance to celebrate Brian Friel’s birthday in his home town Glenties, Donnegal.

His wife Sheila has chosen to establish this award in memory of Robert.  Robert excelled and particular loved Shakespeare and verse-speaking.  For this reason, the award is given to a second year acting student who is judged to be the most promising verse-speaker.