Westmeath pair represent Ireland in Monologue Games for 2026
A Westmeath-based husband and wife acting team are flying the flag for Ireland after securing places in the regional finals of the 2026 World Monologue Games, an international competition featuring performers from more than 100 countries.
Christophe Lombardi and Dorothy Grace Laity, who live in Westmeath, are the only two Irish entrants to progress to this stage of the competition following a qualifying round that attracted hundreds of submissions worldwide.
Now in its sixth season, the World Monologue Games has been described as the ‘Olympics for Actors’, bringing performers together to showcase their work before a panel that includes acting school leaders, Hollywood producers and Emmy-winning casting directors, alongside audience voting.
“We are incredibly excited to be part of this year’s World Monologue Games,” the couple said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to perform alongside such a diverse group of actors from around the world and we are proud to be representing Ireland.”
The regional finals will be broadcast on YouTube between October 30 and November 8, and the Westmeath pair appear on separate dates.
French-Italian actor, writer, magician and stage combatant Lombardi, who is based in Castlepollard, will perform a monologue he wrote inspired by Arsène Lupin, the French gentleman burglar created by Maurice Leblanc in the early 20th century.
His character imagines Lupin emerging from the shadows to challenge Sherlock Holmes.
“The character of Arsène Lupin has always fascinated me,” Lombardi said. “As a French actor living in Ireland for nearly 30 years, I’ve always wanted to bring him to life for Irish and international audiences.”
His performance will be broadcast on Sunday November 1 at 10.30am Irish time; results in his category will be announced on November 4.
Laity will perform Gabriel Davis’s comedy monologue Quiche Isn’t Sexy, from the play of the same name.
Her performance will be broadcast on Friday November 6, at 11am, and results announced on November 11.
“Ireland’s arts workers are truly world class and it’s a pleasure and privilege to be part of such a creative, resourceful and resilient community of professionals,” Laity said.
“Ireland has been my home for nearly 18 years and I’m proud to be walking in the footsteps of Fathimah Kara, Tegan Donohoe and Emma Dennehy in representing Ireland at the World Monologue Games.”
The strongest performers will progress to the Global Finals in December, competing for cash prizes and the title of Global Champion.
Viewers can watch the performances and support their favourites at worldmonologuegames.com. The full regional schedule is available on that website.