Actors have been putting their theatrics to the test by taking on a new social media challenge in an effort to support children living with disabilities during the pandemic.

The Song To Monologue challenge, which is helping raise funds and awareness for Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children, sees actors videoing themselves performing a song they have chosen in the style of a monologue.

It is the brainchild of professional actor Sarah Leigh, who wanted to inspire people in lockdown to do something different, while giving back to the charity which helped her son Nate.

Newlife made sleeping safer for five-year-old Nate, who has autism and severe learning disabilities, by helping provide him with a specialist bed for him in 2018.

Now from professionals to have-a-go actors – people from as far as America have been taking part and sharing their renditions on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #SongToMonologue.

Sarah, from Hertfordshire, said: “What Newlife did for us really has been life-changing so I started the challenge to try and give something back.

“I’m an actor by trade and saw all these challenges popping up so thought I’d do my own. I love lyrics and poetry and there was one song I really loved so I thought I’d give it a go performing it as a monologue.

“I didn’t think it would end up being what it is now! It’s been received fantastically. Everyone is very open and enthusiastic and just wants to help, which has been great.

“It’s just brilliant to be able to do something different to lift people’s spirits while supporting a charity that has helped me and my son.”

Among the songs that have been transformed into monologues include the likes of Imagine by John Lennon, the Rembrandts’ I’ll Be There for You (aka the Friends theme tune) and That Don’t Impress Me Much by Shania Twain.

Sarah is urging those who take part to make a small donation – similar to the cost of what you’d usually spend on a coffee or slice of cake – to Newlife after completing the challenge.

“People keep asking me if there’s a time limit on the challenge,” she added. “But I want everyone to know it’s ongoing and you can do it whenever you like, because Newlife is always going to need our support.

“It is such a good cause and a charity I know works hard to really help and make a difference to families’ lives.

“My son has no sense of danger and we couldn’t sleep at night thinking he could be at risk. Now we have a bed that makes him safe. It gives you goose bumps knowing that there’s people out there that really do care.”

Midlands-based Newlife provides the UK’s only emergency equipment response service and aims to get vital equipment to children who need it the most anywhere in the UK within 72 hours.

It also provides grants of equipment for specialist beds, seats, buggies and car seats to children when they are facing delays or difficulties accessing it through statutory services.

To have a look at some of the fantastic Song to Monologue challenges search #SongToMonologue on Twitter or Instagram.

The special project; a monologue of Pink’s ‘What About Us’ that some of the participants have taken part in for Newlife can be watched here

#SongtoMonologue – This Is Me, By Sarah Leigh & Friends for Newlife