Venue: Sondheim Theatre
Date: 8 June, 3pm
Host: Rosalie Craig
Chair of Judges/Prize-giving: Jenna Russell
MD: Nigel Lilley; Assistant MD: John Haslam
Stage Manager: Ali Wade; Assistant SM: Benedict Rattray
Opening Number: "The Ballad of Sweeney Todd" from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Guest Performers: NYMT Ensemble (medley of "Take Me to the World" from Evening Primrose and "Take the Moment" from Do I Hear a Waltz?); Madeleine Morgan ("Moments in the Woods" from Into the Woods), Molly Lynch & Jade Oswald ("Prove Me Wrong" by Cinco Paul from Schmigadoon! season 3); NYMT/SSSSSPOTY alumi Alex Cardall, Ruby Decent, Cassius Hackforth, Millie Henderson, Madeleine Morgan & Toby Owers ("Growing Up" from Merrily We Roll Along); Rosalie Craig ("So Many People" from Saturday Night).
Winner: Georgia Blessitt (Royal Academy of Music)
Runner-up: Rigby Edwards (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama)
Judges: Darren Clark, Clare Foster, Nigel Harman, Catherine Jayes, Laura Pitt-Pulford
New songs courtesy of NEW UK MUSICALS
The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition – affectionately known as SSSSPOTY – was inaugurated in 2007, and in 2025 returned for its 17th year. The gala final was held, fittingly, in the Sondheim Theatre, at 3pm on Sunday 8 June.
The final was hosted by Olivier Award nominee ROSALIE CRAIG, who wowed audiences as Bobbie in the gender-reversed Company in London’s West End, having previously played Marta in Daniel Evans’ production at the Sheffield Crucible (2011). She featured as the Beggar Woman in the Coliseum’s 2015 semi-staged version of Sweeney Todd, and in 2010 starred in Anyone Can Whistle at Jermyn Street Theatre, playing Nurse Fay Apple.
The Stephen Sondheim Society (a charitable trust founded in 1993) asked for the first round of auditions to be made via video. More than 330 submissions were received from across the UK but from students hailing from as far afield as the USA, Singapore, Japan, Beijing, Jamaica, Norway, South Africa, The Netherlands and Switzerland. Of these, 80 qualified for a live, in-person audition with this year’s Chair of Judges JENNA RUSSELL (Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods) and Musical Director NIGEL LILLEY (Here We Are and Follies, National Theatre). As a result, 12 finalists were selected, with two students held in reserve.
The 12 finalists:
Hasia Akwaboah (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama)
Sophie Anne Baker (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama)
Georgia Blessitt (RAM – Royal Academy of Music)
Becky Bush (RADA – Royal Academy of Dramatic Art)
Maria Collins (Arts1)
Jamie Cushion (Trinity Laban)
Rigby Edwards (Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama)
Hudson Harden Scheel (Royal Conservatoire of Scotland)
Georgie Lagden (RAM – Royal Academy of Music)
Ella McLaughlin (Emil Dale)
Lotte Pearl (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School)
Nimi Spiff (Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts)
Reserves are: Jess Pratley (Arts Educational Schools) and Dominic Wood (Laine Theatre Arts).
Georgia Blessitt from Leeds, studying at the Royal Academy of Music, saw off stiff competition from the 11 other talented young singers to collect the £1,000 first prize and the chance to headline her own Sondheim-infused cabaret in London. Runner Up was Rigby Edwards from Liverpool, a third year BA Musical Theatre student from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. She received £500.
Craig Glenday, Chairman of The Stephen Sondheim Society, said: “Georgia was the first student the judges heard in the heats stages, and it was clear from the beginning that she would be the one to beat. She made a really brave choice to sing ‘Losing My Mind’ from Follies - such a well known and well loved song - but pulled it off flawlessly. The contrast with her second song - ‘Watchin’ the Door’ by Wigmore & Green - allowed Georgia to showcase her range and versatility. A well deserved winner.”
Jenna's judging panel of experienced West End performers and creatives comprised Darren Clark, Clare Foster, Nigel Harman, Catherine Jayes and Laura Pitt-Pulford. The Final was directed by Hannah Chissick and featured an ensemble from the National Youth Music Theatre.
SSSSPOTY 2025
Meet the Host
Rosalie Craig
Rosalie is perhaps best known for her Oliver Award-nominated performance as Bobby in Marianne Elliott’s multi-award winning West End production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company. She was also nominated for an Oliver Award for the title role in Tori Amos’s The Light Princess at the National Theatre. Her other extensive work in the theatre includes London Road, As You Like It, The Threepenny Opera, Hex, Table and Wonder.Land (all for the National Theatre), City of Angels, The Vote and Becoming (all for the Donmar Warehouse) and in the West End, Sam Mendes and Jen Butterworth’s The Ferryman.
On television, Rosalie was most recently seen playing the lead in Sally Wainwright’s forthcoming series Riot Women for BBC1. Other notable recent television work includes The Hack (ITV), Moonflower Murders (BBC), The Serpeant Queen (STARZ), The Tower (ITV) and 1899 (NETFLIX).
On film, her recent work includes Sophie Barthes’ acclaimed The Pod Generation and Julian Jarrold’s Sulphur & White.
Rosalie trained at Rose Bruford College and was made a Fellow of that institution in 2016.
Meet the Finalists
Hasia Awkaboah
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama – BA Acting (second year)
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"Being Alive" from Company
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"My Day" from Fiver by Alex James Ellison
About me: I was born and raised in London, but during COVID, I moved to Bristol with my mum and brother.
While I lived in London, I went to an extra-curricular acting, singing and dancing programme, which exposed me to the performing arts. When I moved to Bristol, I got into Bristol School of Acting’s two-year course, which allowed me to train for drama school and gave me many opportunities to perform and work with so many very talented directors and actors. One of my favourites shows I got to be a part of was Like No Tomorrow, which I was lucky enough to take to the National and Bristol Old Vic. I also had the privilege of working with Aaron Parsons on Welcome to Thebes and Alison Reid on Dance Nation, which I got to take to the Tobacco Factory. I’ve always considered myself more of an actor than a singer, but during recent years I’m grateful to have been presented with more opportunities to pursue the latter, such as getting to open and perform at the Bristol 02 Academy. I’m now in my second year of my acting degree at Royal Welsh, and I’m excited to see what the next year holds!
Sondheim experience: I’ll never forgive myself for this, but I was not blessed with encountering Stephen Sondheim’s work until about a year ago. Sorry!
Favourite Sondheim song: Since I’ve been introduced to Sondheim and his glory, it’s been very difficult to pick a “favourite song”. If I absolutely had to pick, it would have to be “Could I Leave You?”, but my heart is also still with “Last Midnight” and “No One Is Alone”.
Favourite Sondheim show: I’m guessing you would be able to tell by my previous answer, but Into the Woods!
Dream role: Now, this is an impossible question! Ever since I watched Hamilton on Disney+ during COVID, I absolutely fell in love with Lin-Manuel Miranda and the role of Peggy/Maria Reynolds, which would be my second choice if they didn’t take me for Burr or Hamilton! (As I gave two honourable mentions before, it only feels right that I do here, too: Eurydice in Hadestown is calling my name, as well as Eponine and Fantine in Les Misérables.)
Who most inspires you? I know it’s a cliché, but my mother takes the cake on that one. She truly is the strongest, most giving, and open person I know. She pushes me to be a better person, and she’s always there in my corner fighting for me. I wouldn’t be halfway to where I am today if I hadn’t grown up with such an inspiration.
“It truly means everything to perform here this afternoon. I primarily see myself as an actor, but I’m an MT at heart, so to be given the opportunity to truly branch out of my comfort zone is a huge step forward for me, and I am forever grateful. ”
Sophie Ann Baker
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama – MA Musical Theatre (one-year course)
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"The Girls of Summer" from The Girls of Summer
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"A Story of My Own" from The Clockmaker's Daughter
by Michael Webborn and Daniel Finn
About me: I was born and raised in Cardiff! And I’m very proud to be Welsh! My parents sent me to singing lessons when I was 8 after accepting that belting out every Disney song possible when I was little wasn’t just a phase! Since then, I’ve performed in lots of amateur productions in Cardiff and I was lucky enough to play Dorothy in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz in Cardiff’s New Theatre.
Sondheim experience: II first heard Sondheim when I was 12 and Elaine Paige singing “I’m Still Here” came on in the car. That’s when I knew I was going to be a huge Sondheim fan. My first experience really performing Sondheim was in my 6th form production of Sweeney Todd, where I played Mrs Lovett – the most incredible opportunity and a role I will be revisiting in our college production this summer!
Favourite Sondheim song: "Losing My Mind".
Favourite Sondheim show: Sweeney Todd... pure genius!
Dream role: Anything Disney. I would love to play a Disney Princess on stage!
Who most inspires you? Lea Salonga. Her career is everything I could ever dream of… and hopefully one day I can follow in her footsteps.
“I’m so unbelievably grateful and excited to have reached this stage of the competition. As a massive Sondheim nerd, I have always wanted to perform his work on a West End stage, and I feel incredibly lucky to do so in such a beautiful theatre.”
Georgia Blessitt
Royal Academy of Music – MA Musical Theatre (one-year course)
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"Losing My Mind" from Follies
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"Watchin' the Door" from Van Winkle: A Folk Musical
by Caroline Wigmore and Jen Green
About me: I was born in and grew up in Leeds. I lived in Bath for four years – including my time at the University of Bath – and I’ve now lived in London for five years.
I’ve been a prolific amdram performer in London, playing roles like Elle in Legally Blonde, Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde, Deloris in Sister Act and Maggie in Working. I’ve also performed and directed award-winning a cappella groups – I’m currently the Musical Director of Axiom, who recently won the international competition VokalTotal in Graz, Austria. I’ve put on two showcases in London, for one of which I did orchestrations and vocal arrangements for an eight-piece ensemble.
Sondheim experience: I’ve never done a Sondheim show, but I’ve seen community and university productions of various works. We do a selection of Sondheim songs with my MT a cappella group Enchord.
Favourite Sondheim song: “Send in the Clowns”.
Favourite Sondheim show: Follies.
Dream role: Angelica in Hamilton.
Who most inspires you? I adore Sharon D Clarke. Her command of her instrument is second to none. And I’ve always been inspired by Ella Fitzgerald – her diction and intention are always so clear.
“It’s such an honour to be selected. I have always loved this song, and connected to it deeply, so to have my connection affirmed by being selected, and to be able to perform it on a beautiful West End stage feels delightfully full-circle for me. My experience is mainly in contemporary musical theatre, so I’m especially grateful and humbled to be recognised for my interpretation of a Sondheim classic.“
Rigby Edwards
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama – BA Musical Theatre (third year)
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"Old Friends/Like it Was" from Merrily We Roll Along
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"Kill the Freak" from Reanimator by Ben Glasstone
About me: I grew up 20 minutes outside of the centre of Liverpool. Everything about that gorgeous city has made me all that I bring with me today, and I am so proud to show it in my work in whatever ways I can!
My love of performing started in a church hall in Fazakerley, in a play written about the workhouses in Merseyside back in the Victorian era. As bleak as it sounded, I loved stepping into a world so completely different to my own. This continued through school musicals (and many after school karaoke sessions) and eventually lead to me attending LIPA Sixth Form College to study musical theatre. It was here that my performing became not only a passion but a comfort as I went through the process of being diagnosed autistic. Many dance classes, a few tears and a solid run as Mother Superior in Sister Act later, I was lucky enough to be accepted to RWCMD and it’s only been up from there! Thinking about that kid stood in a yellow frock in Fazakerley, she would never believe we could have come this far!
Sondheim experience: Since listening to Sweeney Todd in the car as a teenager, I’ve been singing Sondheim in every concert, audition and bathroom with decent acoustics I could. It’s only been in the last year, however, that I’ve been able to perform his works properly! I was Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods for NYMT last year (which allowed me to perform at this very competition) then went on to be K.T. in my third-year performance of Merrily We Roll Along. I’m also unbelievably grateful to be playing the role of Mrs Lovett in our upcoming final production of Sweeney Todd (very full circle for me!!) It’s an even bigger honour to be sharing the role with my fellow finalist, the ridiculously talented Sophie!
Favourite Sondheim song: It’s a painful choice to make but it would probably have to be “I’m Still Here” from Follies – the writing is utter genius!
Favourite Sondheim show: Into The Woods.
Dream role: I would genuinely consider selling a kidney to be Mama Rose in Gypsy!
Who most inspires you? Imelda Staunton has always been massive for me, both in Sondheim and throughout the rest of her work. However, with the utmost respect to her, she doesn’t hold a candle to my little brother Evan, who has always been the person who gives me the fight to achieve all he knew I could.
“Reaching this far means absolutely everything. For once, I physically cannot come up with any other words!”
Hudson Harden Scheel
Royal Scottish Conservatoire – BA Musical Theatre (third year)
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"Love, I Hear" from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
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"Coming to Terms" from Then, Now and Next by Christopher J Orton & Jon Robyns
About me: I’m from New York! I lived in the city as a kid but my family is upstate now, near the Catskills in a minuscule one-street town called Mountain Dale. I began theatre at 12 years old, when a dear family friend forced me to audition for Oliver!, despite my timidity. After being cast as Fagin, I began voice lessons (mainly to overcome my fear of public singing). In the same few months, at a small neighbourhood concert, I ran off stage crying after a tremendous voice crack during my rendition of “Corner of the Sky”. Needless to say, we’ve all been there and pretty soon, I fell helplessly in love with theatre.
My family have always been massively supportive of me and my passion. Following Oliver!, I was in countless community theatre productions, then in shows at my first high school, until COVID hit. I was in a Zoom production of Romeo & Juliet (I know…) when I made the greatest decision I have ever made: which was to transfer to Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan. Training at Interlochen changed my life forever. Specifically, I’m grateful to Douglas Peck, Gulshirin Dubash, and Bill Church for changing the shape of theatre education and inspiring me to be a malleable and truthful actor.
Since then, I’ve been slowly turning Scottish at the RCS, while (ecstatically) playing roles like Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me and Melchior Gabor in Spring Awakening!
Sondheim experience: I was able to play Frank in Merrily We Roll Along during our Sondheim project at RCS, which is by far my favourite project I’ve ever worked on. I’m desperate to be in a Sondheim production.
Favourite Sondheim song: He really makes it hard, doesn’t he?! I’m being cheeky and not picking one: “Stay With Me”, “Kiss Me” and “A Boy Like That/I Have A Love” make me weep.
Favourite Sondheim show: Right now in this very moment it’s Gypsy (Audra is remarkable). Usually it’s Sweeney.
Dream role: The Emcee in Cabaret, Tony in West Side Story, everyone in Hadestown.
Who most inspires you? I'm massively inspired by Andrew Garfield, Tamsin Greig, Imelda Staunton, Andrew Scott, the list goes on… but mostly I’m inspired by my mother. I’ve never met someone so generous, fastidious, resourceful, humble and fearless.
“Being chosen as a finalist is a massive honour and dream of mine. As an actor, Sondheim gives you a treasure trove to study. His work proves the biggest example of why music makes text soar and why musicals should exist at all. I am immensely grateful and thrilled to celebrate his work this year!!”
Georgie Lagden
Royal Academy of Music – MA Musical Theatre (one-year course)
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"The Ladies Who Lunch" from Company
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"I Could Promise You" from The House of Mirrors and Hearts by Eamonn O'Dwyer
About me: I was born and raised in the heart of Oxford. I was extremely lucky to grow up in a very musical household. My mum trained in Musical Theatre and my dad was also a keen choral singer. I have vivid memories of watching Cats and Joseph on video cassettes, and my grandma giving renditions of Colm Wilkinson’s version of “Bring Him Home”. However, I was a keen musician first and foremost. I would spend hours in my room playing guitar, bass and drums. My twin sister and I spent our teenage years gigging around Oxford. Our desire was to be the next version of Simon and Garfunkel; we haven’t succeeded (yet). I was finally bitten by the theatre bug at 16, and I performed in many local shows as well as national productions with BYMT and later, NYMT. I studied Theatre and Performance at Warwick, and would spend my evenings in rehearsals for student-led musicals and plays. I finally decided that I wanted to train, and there was no better place than the Musical Theatre course at RAM!
Sondheim experience: “My first interaction with Sondheim was in fact at the humble age of nine. My year-four English teacher asked my sister and I to finish the school play by singing, “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd. I thought it was a lovely sentimental song, and obviously had no idea of the rather gruesome context of the show. After that, my godfather continued my education of the great composer by screaming the top line of Sweeney in the car, and taking me to amateur productions at the Edinburgh Fringe.
My first Sondheim show was at University. I played Joanne in Company, and so it is incredibly special that I get to revisit her iconic song once more at the final. Elaine Stritch’s version will always be a favourite, and I hope to honour her and the likes of Patti LuPone and Sheila Gish in a small way. At RAM, I’ve been lucky to play Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and I am currently in rehearsals to play Sarah Jane Moore in RAM’s production of Assassins. Sondheim’s ability to harness the human condition in his lyrics and music will always amaze me. Learning his scores requires huge discipline and work, but once you’ve got it, the result is glorious.
Favourite Sondheim song: “No One is Alone” is stunning. Its message is universal and the melody is hauntingly beautiful - plus I have fond memories of watching my sister sing it last summer in NYMT’s production of Into The Woods.
Favourite Sondheim show: Impossible question… but I think Company.
Dream role: I would love to play Dot from Sunday in The Park With George. However, my dream role will always be Sally Bowles.
Who most inspires you? My two heroes are Barbra Streisand and Liza Minelli. Firstly, their voices are timeless and they both know how to use them to tell a story, no matter the venue. Barbra and Liza’s ability to create present, truthful moments on stage is so rare. Every sung line is in the moment – they are accomplished actresses and never let the voice detract from the story. I still watch Liza with a Z or Funny Girl when I need a creative pick-me-up. My RAM cohort will attest, not a day goes by where I don’t mention Barbra (or Babz!) in some way.
"I’m still in disbelief that I get the chance to perform in the Sondheim Theatre, with The Stephen Sondheim Society, singing (arguably) Sondheim’s most iconic song. Woah. It means a huge amount to me. I am incredibly grateful to the Society for the opportunity and I cannot wait to work with the cast and creative team."
Becky Bush
Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts – BA Acting (third year)
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"Last Midnight" from Into the Woods
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"Time" from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by Jethro Compton & Darren Clark
About me: I was born and raised in Cambridgeshire. I’ve been performing since I was about five, and I’ve always loved doing a mixture of straight acting and musical theatre. Before drama school, I had quite a varied experience – from Shakespeare and Greek tragedies to Avenue Q, Evita and somehow three separate productions of Oliver!
I was thrilled to get a place at RADA and was pleased to see they also take the singing training seriously.
Sondheim experience: I haven’t been in a full Sondheim production (yet!), but I’ve had the joy of performing several of his songs. Most notably, I played Dot in Sunday in the Park with George as part of our Musical Duologues project at RADA, and sang “So Many People” from Saturday Night in a special Sondheim Tribute Cabaret.
Favourite Sondheim song: “Losing my Mind”. Imelda Staunton’s rendition is utter perfection.
Favourite Sondheim show: Into the Woods.
Dream role: Sally Bowles, hands down. Especially if they ever remake the film!!
Who most inspires you? Imelda Staunton. We’ve had a couple of workshops with her and she is the most wonderfully down-to-earth woman with an incredible work ethic, and I’m not gonna lie, impeccable style. I’d love to work with her one day.
“Honestly, it’s a bit surreal reaching the Final. I never dreamt that I was capable or good enough to belong in the world of musical theatre. I’m hugely grateful to the amazing singing and voice tutors at RADA!”
Maria Collins
Arts1 – BA Musical Theatre (first year)
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"Every Day a Little Death" from A Little Night Music
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"Lost in Translations" from Lift by Craig Adams
About me: I am a Mancunian through and through. My Dad is as mad as a box of frogs so always made the effort to make days musical with performing in our little “English Von Trapps” family band at charity gigs and residential homes singing old folk songs, watching musical films like My Fair Lady, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (a family fave), Calamity Jane and The Sound of Music (no, not just because of her name).
I’m grateful for the patience my mum had bringing us up to be loud, musical and bonkers together. It’s amazing how she lived with us all together for so long until big sis moved out. Despite it raining most of the time, being raised in Manchester has been beautiful, with the town centre 10 minutes down the road and walks along the countryside and in the hills 10 minutes down the road the other way. You don’t realise how beautiful a place home is until you move away, which makes you cherish it more.
I have a very musical family so have been performing nearly since birth, often using our living room as a stage and any opportunities given in primary school and high school. I joined a dance class in late primary school, which led me on to be a teaching assistant at a small stage school. When I turned 18, I began teaching there and loved the impact I was able to make by spreading my love of theatre and performance all learnt from high school and college performances.
I auditioned and joined the Royal Exchange Theatre Young Company for a year, where we undertook workshops, masterclasses and engaged in acting exercises, which helped channel my creativity. I was very lucky, as this was a funded year and I had to pay little fees, with perks of seeing discounted theatre productions at the Royal Exchange – a beautiful theatre in the round in Manchester, one that I wish to perform on one day! After college (and lockdown), I was able to get a full-time job to fund my own training, and this led to me joining a stage school at age 20. I trained and worked for this company through touring pantomimes in primary schools, performing Shakespeare and other T.I.E. pieces for GCSE students, as well as numerous amateur musicals, revue shows and concerts for two and a half years. I then funded further training by seeking a singing teacher, dance classes and further performance opportunities to enhance my auditions for drama school where I accepted the offer in 2024 for Arts1.
Sondheim experience: The (sadly) only experience I have has been recently in ensemble class with Amy Shackcloth. We worked on the Merrily We Roll Along opening, and safe to say it was a messy but beautiful experience. The harmonies, the rhythms, the intentions, his works are just beautiful madnesses, and really make you adore the music and ensemble.
Favourite Sondheim song: “Not While I’m Around” from Sweeney Todd. I think?! Too many to chose from – Sondheim’s work is music magic to the ears and mind
Favourite Sondheim show: Sweeney Todd. I’ve only ever seen the movie (about 40 times) and listened to the soundtrack but the darkness, the grit to the characters, just… fabulous.
Dream role: Eponine in Les Misérables. Typical, yes, but as a musical that never fails to inspire and connect with each character, it’s been a dream since performing her in our high school production of Les Mis. Anything in Les Mis, actually, I’m not picky…
Who most inspires you? “My mum. Yes, cliché – but her selflessness and the sacrifices she continually makes for the family, her words of encouragement, reminders that everything happens for a reason has really helped through my training journey and to get where I am today. Secondly, my head of year, Ami Henderson. She balances so many things such as her MA studying, being Head of Year, teaching sixth form, teaching our classes, Arts1 work/planning/marking/meetings, her evening company classes, providing for her family, being a mum, and much more, yet still has the patience and ability to give every one of her students and peers the attention, effort and personable connections needed.
“Will this ever sink in? I don’t think so. If you were to tell Maria from a year ago that in a year she’d be performing on the stage her favourite musical plays on the West End, she’d end up spitting her Diet Coke out from laughing. I will be eternally grateful to The Stephen Sondheim Society for this opportunity. It goes to show that no one’s journey looks the same, and I’m so grateful to every single one of my loved ones pushing me through injuries, sweat and tears – and to my teachers at Arts1 for believing and trusting in my abilities. ”
Jamie Cushion
Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance – BA Musical Theatre (second year)
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"Not While I'm Around" from Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
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"New York" from Two Strangers Carry a Cake Across New York by Kit Buchan and Jim Barne
About me: I was born in Liverpool in the North West of England and raised by a Scouse dad and Scottish mum. My first experience of musical theatre was singing “Bring Him Home” in my primary school at an end-of-year performance. I got the musical theatre bug from then onwards and had many opportunities to sing and perform across the North West of England.
One of the most important parts of my pathway in Musical Theatre before studying at Trinity Laban was being fortunate to find a second home at a newly formed youth theatre company – Aspire Performing Arts – where I’ve performed in many showcases and productions. My favourite was being able to perform “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge and “Shallow” from A Star is Born, with some of my favourite people in my last showcase before moving down south.
Sondheim experience: I recently performed in my university’s second-year Sondheim Showcase, in which I was given the role of my cast’s vocal captain and had the pleasure of playing the Balladeer from Assassins.
Favourite Sondheim song: Has to be “Take Me to the World” from Evening Primrose. I believe this is one of his most true and trusting pieces of work, and perfectly encapsulates his ability to make an audience think and feel every bit of what the characters are going through.
Favourite Sondheim show: Passion, as its music and emotion really caught me off guard the first time I listened to the score. And Sweeney Todd, as I’ve always loved seeing my idols perform in it.
Dream role: A dream role for me has to be Frankie Epps in Parade, as his raw emotion, youth and truth through his actions and portrayal really connected with me. Another has to be Tobias in Sweeney Todd, as I’ve always loved his score, and also his naive and innocent love for Mrs Lovett particularly captured my heart in the story.
Who most inspires you? A huge Inspiration for me in performance is Hadley Fraser, as I’ve followed his work and career and always loved hearing his voice whenever stuck in traffic or more recently on the tube. Another huge inspiration will always be my family. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am now, and the belief they have in me has always kept me going.
“To be truthful, I’m absolutely buzzing to be a finalist and can’t wait to stand on the Sondheim Theatre stage among other talented performers. I would never have guessed when starting my second year at Trinity I’d end the year performing on a West End stage and representing the university that’s already taught me so much. Being able to tell the people who have helped me so much this past year that this is happening really warmed my heart. Special mention to my singing teacher Kevin for guiding me along this process and teaching me more about my capabilities than I ever thought possible.”
Lotte Pearl
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – BA Professional Acting (first year)
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"Everybody Loves Louis" from Sunday in the Park with George
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"Juliet Kind of Love" from Marriage a la Mode by Victoria Saxton and Charles Miller
About me: I was born in London but moved down to East Sussex when I was about 7. I went to school in Brighton. I’ve been singing my whole life. I was told I even sang as a baby. One of my earliest performing memories is singing “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen at a school talent show, while my friend was a backing dancer next to me.
I was lucky enough to do a show with National Youth Music Theatre (Piper of Hamelin) in 2016, and two shows with British Youth Music Theatre (A Winter’s Tale, Peter Pan) in 2018 and 2019. I also played Elle Woods in Legally Blonde
in my final year of school. And I’ve sung for a Jazz Band, which was amazingly fun!
I am also a songwriter and composer. In my second year of drama school, I wrote a musical and took it to the Edinburgh Fringe at The Pleasance Courtyard. It’s called The Emu War: A New Musical, and it was nominated for Best Musical by Everything Theatre and Musical Theatre Review.
Sondheim experience: I love Sondheim. We actually sang a rendition of “Sunday” from Sunday in the Park with George and “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd” at my drama school. I’ve always loved Sweeney Todd and have sung “Green Finch and Linnet Bird” for years.
Favourite Sondheim song: “Losing My Mind”. I think it’s so beautiful. The lyric “You said you loved me, or were you just being kind?” is haunting.
Favourite Sondheim show: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street.
Dream role: Sally Bowles in Cabaret. I love that show so much. Dream Sondheim role is Cinderella in Into the Woods, or Johanna in Sweeney Todd.
Who most inspires you? I am really inspired by performer/creatives like Lin Manuel Miranda, Donald Glover and Sara Bareilles, to name a few. All of these creatives’ songwriting is amazing and I love people who do it all!
“I’m incredibly honoured to be here! Ever since I heard of SSSSPOTY about 7 years ago, it was my dream to be part of the final one day! I still can’t believe I got into drama school and I can’t believe I made it to the final! So I’m incredibly grateful and excited. Thank you! :)”
Nimi Spiff
Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts – MA Performance, Musical Theatre (one-year course)
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"Old Friends/Like it Was" from Merrily We Roll Along
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"Stand" from Cases by Dominic Powell
About me: I was born and raised in Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, about an hour outside of London, and I’ve been performing for as long as I remember. I grew up dancing in many different styles, going to competitions, doing youth theatre and singing in choirs. Thankfully, my school was a performing-arts specialist school – I did Dance and Music in my exams. Then what I think really sealed the deal was playing Nancy in Oliver! when I was 16. From then on, I did musical theatre, plays, showcases, you name it. In that time, I took part in many shows like The Crucible, The Phantom of the Opera and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Then when I went to university, I was involved in the Drama and Shakespeare societies, acting, directing productions, and choreographing for dance showcases.
Sondheim experience: The first musical I took myself to see was the 2018 revival of Company, and I was just fascinated by the genius in Sondheim’s lyrics and how the show was both hilarious and gut-wrenching at the same time. How full circle is it that Company was then our book musical at Mountview!
Favourite Sondheim song: “By the Sea” from Sweeney Todd.
Favourite Sondheim show: Company.
Dream role: Going to be cheeky and give two! Sondheim: Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd. Non-Sondheim: Angelica in Hamilton.
Who most inspires you? My cohort at Mountview! All of us are coming from different backgrounds, countries and educations, and seeing everyone’s development this year has been crazy. We’re all going through changes in our lives and coming out on top, so more of that!
“I honestly could not fathom getting this far. The opportunity to perform with some pure talent and showcase my development over past year on a stage like this is ridiculous. It is so, so, so, so, so huge for me to be a part of this final and I feel very proud of myself!”
Ella McLaughlin
Emil Dale Academy – BA (Hons) Musical Theatre (second year)
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"Loving You" from Passion
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"Airs and Graces" from Cases by Dominic Powell
About me: I‘m from Hertfordshire, so just outside of London, which means I have been very fortunate to grow up in a slightly more rural area while still being just a short train journey from the city.
I first got interested in performing at a very young age, doing baby ballet classes when I was 2. Since then, I’ve always danced but the acting and singing didn’t come until a bit later when I joined the local drama school for after-school classes. Growing up, I did lots of shows with them and then had the opportunity to do shows when joining the Musical Theatre BTEC Course at Emil Dale Academy. In 2022, I was also in a production of Kin: A New Musical and had another opportunity to be a part of another workshop of the show in 2023.
Sondheim experience: I haven’t had the opportunity to perform a lot of Sondheim’s work, so being able to perform it throughout the audition process for the SSSSPOTY award has been such an enjoyable experience. That being said, when I was younger, I was in my drama club’s production of Into The Woods Jr. and played Little Red Riding Hood. Being 9 years old and being told I would be eating real pastries and treats on stage was definitely a highlight!
Favourite Sondheim song: “Johanna” from Sweeney Todd.
Favourite Sondheim show: Company.
Dream role: My dream musical theatre role at the moment is Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in Hamilton.
Who most inspires you? Trying to answer this question is so difficult. At first, I was trying to think of performers/actors that are currently working, but I actually think I would have to say my peers that I’m currently training with on my Degree course inspire me most. I am so lucky to have such a supportive and hard-working year group and I think a lot of what inspires me is the work that I see being created around me everyday. Whether that be watching someone working through material in an Acting Through Song class or seeing someone achieve a goal I know they have been working really hard on. It’s hard not to be inspired by these people and I am very grateful to be training alongside them.
“This whole process has taught me so much in regards to trusting myself and my work. As I said before, I started dancing before acting and singing, and I’ve realised I’ve let people put me in the box of being a ‘dancer’. This has been one of the only experiences I’ve had where people have just seen my Acting Through Song and so it’s been very liberating being able to share that. I’m beyond grateful to be selected for the Final of SSSSPOTY, and to have the opportunity to perform Sondheim’s work. I’m so in awe of his writing, as I’m sure most people are, and cannot wait to watch the other finalists perform such incredible material.”
Meet the Reserves
Dominic Wood
Laine Theatre Arts – Level-6 Diploma in Musical Theatre (third year)
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"The Soldier's Dream" from Here We Are
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"All About Her" from Lift by Craig Adams
About me: I was born and raised in Derby. I’ve been doing musical theatre since I was 11 years old, when I played Oliver in an amateur production of Oliver! After that, I performed in amateur dramatics around Derbyshire while also completing A-levels in drama music and performing arts. I then did a one-year intensive course at KTCo studios in Derby, which helped me gain my place at Laine, where I’ve been completing my professional training.
Sondheim experience: I’ve had a lot of experience singing his songs and listening to his repertoire. When I was very little, I was in an amateur dramatic performance of Into the Woods, but it was at Laine where I started to delve deeper as I performed in a Sondheim concert.
Favourite Sondheim song: “Maria” from West Side Story.
Favourite Sondheim show: Assassins.
Dream role: Marius in Les Misérables.
“To be selected for the SSSSPOTY Final means so much to me. I’ve pushed myself throughout the experience; learning Sondheim songs is a very hard process – there is so much detail and story throughout – but it’s very fulfilling to be able to perform his songs and do them justice.”
Jess Pratley
Arts Educational Schools – BA Musical Theatre (third year)
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"Moments in the Woods" from Into the Woods
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"A Garden" from The Peace Children by Jason Carr
About me: I was born and raised in Maidenhead, Berkshire. I grew up sharing a love of music with my Mum and Godmother, who are both beautiful singers. My Godmother is also a singing teacher, so I grew up having lessons from her, which was really special! When I was 12, I joined Ocean Theatre Company where I stayed until I was 18, and I got to perform in musicals twice a year with my best friends and the most supportive creative team. At 16, I took a B-Tech in Performing Arts at Farnborough Sixth Form and decided to audition for drama schools. I then did a foundation course in musical theatre at ArtsEd, followed by the degree course, and have just finished third year.
Sondheim experience: When I was around 11, my local theatre company did a production of Sweeney Todd. It was my first time watching a Sondheim show, and I was hooked! I went home that night and spent about three hours trying to learn “The Worst Pies In London” and decided I had to study musical theatre. I’ve been obsessed with Sondheim’s work ever since and in my third year show at ArtsEd I had the privilege of playing The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods. It was one of the most deliciously challenging and rewarding things I have ever done, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to find my way into such a brilliant character.
Favourite Sondheim song: “We Do Not Belong Together” from Sunday in the Park with George.
Favourite Sondheim show: Sweeney Todd.
Dream role: The Emcee in Cabaret
“It’s an absolute privilege to be selected for the SSSSPOTY final. I’m beyond grateful to be a part of the celebration of Stephen Sondheim and for the opportunity to immerse myself in his work, which means so much to me.”