Charlotte English from BIRD Conservatoire has been crowned the winner of the 18th annual Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition.
The prestigious contest, affectionately known as SSSSPOTY, took place at the Sondheim Theatre in London’s West End.
English secured the title with her rendition of “I Read” from Passion, earning a £1,000 prize and the opportunity to headline her own Sondheim-inspired cabaret in London.
Taziva-Faye Kastsande, also from BIRD Conservatoire, was named runner-up after performing “Last Midnight” from Into The Woods and receives £500.
Rosie Sutton from the University of Oxford placed third with “Getting Married Today” from Company, receiving £250, a prize donated in memory of critic and Stephen Sondheim Society member Jeremy Chapman.
Chair of The Stephen Sondheim Society, Craig Glenday, said: “Charlotte was a very worthy winner in a contest packed with incredible competitors. The judges felt that Charlotte’s rendition of “I Read”from Passion was authentic and moving, and captured all of the complex nuances of this song and the character of Fosca. But it was also the longest time it’s taken the panel to agree on the top three. In a field this talented, the job of picking out winners is far from easy, but the fact they were in the final means they are all winners. Ultimately it was a wonderful afternoon of Sondheim that I hope honoured Steve’s memory.”
More than 350 video submissions were received for this year’s competition, with 81 performers invited to audition in person before a panel led by Edward Seckerson.
The judging panel also included Musical Director Nigel Lilley and guest judge Laura Pitt-Pulford, alongside a final panel of West End performers and critics including Jenna Russell, Melanie La Barrie, Andy Nyman, Rachel Tucker and Matt Wolf.
Twelve finalists performed a Sondheim piece alongside a contemporary song selected from NEW UK MUSICALS, reflecting the late composer’s wish to support new musical theatre writing.
The Stephen Sondheim Society’s annual competition continues to offer emerging performers the chance to showcase their talent on a West End stage while celebrating the legacy of one of musical theatre’s greatest composers.
