We are delighted to celebrate the incredible achievements of All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form student Megan Sykes, who is set to make her feature film debut in the international release of I Swear. The moving drama, which re-enacts the life of John Davidson, was filmed entirely in Glasgow and will be released in cinemas worldwide on 10th October 2025.
Megan, who has Tourette’s herself, plays a member of Davidson’s support group, bringing real-life authenticity and empathy to her role. Speaking about the experience, Megan said:
“I hope this film will help everyone understand Tourette’s truly. I also saw many parallels with my life and John Davidson’s experiences. It made me feel like I had a community of people with similar experiences.”
Her journey began when she discovered the audition through the Tourette’s Action Instagram page. After recording a self-tape where she bravely included her tics, Megan was overjoyed to learn she had secured the part. She described the filming process as both challenging and rewarding:
“Though I was playing myself, it was hard at first to let all my tics out on camera. Luckily, our director Kirk Jones made sure to remind us before every take that it was completely fine to let them out. No one there was judging you.”
Megan also shared how much she enjoyed working alongside experienced actors such as Maxine Peake and Robert Aramayo, learning from their professionalism while also enjoying light-hearted moments on set.
“By the fifth take, Maxine and I couldn’t look at each other without laughing!”
Her mother, Patricia Sykes, reflected on the impact of the experience:
“We are all so proud of Megan. It was lovely to see her making new friends on set, and the cast and crew were so kind and genuinely interested in learning more about Tourette’s. I was lucky enough to see an early preview of the film, and it moved me to tears. I really hope it helps shine a light on the condition, as there is still such a lack of understanding of how challenging it can be.”
The Academy’s Performing Arts Department praised Megan’s achievements, with Miss Baynham-Williams, Director of Performing Arts, commenting:
“We are exceptionally proud of Megan. Her advocacy for inclusivity, her outstanding talent on stage and screen, and her academic achievements this year are testament to her determination and creativity. Megan’s debut in I Swear is a truly inspiring moment.”
Principal Benjamin Williams added:
“Megan truly reflects our vision, demonstrating that it is possible for our students to be ‘light of the world.’ She has used her talents not only to excel academically and creatively but also to raise awareness and inspire others. She is a true role model for our community and beyond.”
This year has been an incredible one for Megan, who has not only starred in her first feature film but also celebrated a Grade 9 in GCSE Drama. She is now studying Drama, Art, and History A Levels at Sixth Form and looking forward to further acting opportunities in the future.
We couldn’t be prouder of Megan and can’t wait to see her shine on the big screen when I Swear is released worldwide on 10th October 2025.
