⭐ THE STEPHEN SONDHEIM SOCIETY STUDENT PERFORMER OF THE YEAR 2023 FINALISTS ANNOUNCED ⭐
The finalists for The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2023 have been announced.
The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition – affectionately known as SSSSPOTY – is back for its 15th year! Once again, the best young performers from across the UK assemble in the Sondheim Theatre for an afternoon celebrating the legendary composer-lyricist… and one of them will be crowned the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year!
12 finalists were selected, with 2 students held in reserve.
The 12 finalists are:
Sara Bartos (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
Emily Botnen (Royal Academy of Music)
Lucy Carter (Royal Academy of Music)
Harry Lake (Guildford School of Acting)
Josh Lewindon (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama)
Ritesh Manugula (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama)
Tom O’Kelly (Royal Academy of Music)
Emily Ridge (Leeds Conservatoire)
Pétur Svavarsson (Royal Academy of Music)
Isobel Twist (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School)
Harry Warburton (Guildford School of Acting)
Milly Willows (Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts)
The Stephen Sondheim Society Trustees and judges also agreed to select two reserves:.
El Haq Latief (Royal Academy of Music)
Thom Foster (The Hammond School)
The competition will be hosted by the sensational Alex Young (Follies, Anyone Can Whistle, Into the Woods and Standing at Sky’s Edge), who won the event back in 2010. The 12 student finalists (& 2 reserves) will be guided through their songs by musical director Nigel Lilley (Follies, Company, Newsies, The Band’s Visit, South Pacific) and director Hannah Chissick (Sunday in the Park with George, Marry Me a Little, Side by Side by Sondheim).
Also on hand to celebrate the work of Sondheim will be an ensemble from the National Youth Music Theatre, and songwriters from the New UK Musicals stable, who will provide the competitors with a recently written song to complement their Sondheim number. Judging from the boxes will be a panel of experts and West End stars headed up by broadcaster Edward Seckerson, and expect a couple of guest spots from previous winners. And, of course, Sondheim patron Julia McKenzie will be on hand to award the prizes.
The winner will receive a £1,000 first prize, and the chance to headline their own Sondheim-infused cabaret in London. The runner-up is also awarded £500.
The gala final of The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year will take place at the Sondheim Theatre, on 11th June 2023, with tickets on sale now.
Wonderful! ! !
Thoughts? X x x
Tickets & more info – https://www.sondheimtheatre.co.uk/whats-on/sssspoty-2023
