Review: The 16th annual Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (SSSSPOTY) Competition – 2024

Held today, The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (SSSSPOTY) gala was, as ever,  a dazzling showcase of young talent, celebrating the timeless works of Stephen Sondheim. 

The event, which took place in the theatre which bears the composers name, featured a series of stunning performances by the twelve finalists, each bringing their unique flair to Sondheim’s beloved compositions, and works from the New UK Musicals catalogue.

The competition opened with a spirited rendition of “Beautiful Girls” from Follies, arranged and musically directed by John Haslam, who went on to assist Nigel Lilley for the rest of the performance.  

Holly Adams opened the competition and captivated the audience with her performance of “What More Do I Need?” from Saturday Night, followed by Brooke Bazarian’s heartfelt interpretation of “Sunday in the Park with George”. Oliver Halford brought humour and charm with “I’m Calm” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Recognising Sondheim’s passion for new writing, each finalist performs two numbers, the second having been selected from the New UK Musicals catalogue. So, Adams returned to the stage with a powerful rendition of “Off with their Heads” by Eamonn O’Dwyer, while Bazarian showcased their versatility with “Lost in Translations” by Craig Adams. Halford’s performance of “Infinity” by Josh Sneesby & Sarah Middleton was equally compelling and would eventually land him the runner up spot.

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Harrison Langham’s “Love, I Hear” from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum was a highlight, as was Katie Leach’s emotive “The Miller’s Son” from A Little Night Music. Madeleine Morgan’s “Moments in the Woods” from Into the Woods was a standout, demonstrating her exceptional vocal control and emotional depth.

Langham returned with “There’s Always Tomorrow” by George Stiles & Anthony Drewe, and Leach delivered a poignant “It’s Been a Year” by Craig Adams. Morgan’s second performance, “Running on Empty” by Gus Gowland, further solidified her status as a frontrunner in the competition.

After a brief interval, the National Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble took the stage with selections from Into the Woods, followed by individual performances from Rowen Newsome, Tumi Olufawo, and Thomas Oxley. Newsome’s “Being Alive” from Company was a real highlight of the competition. Olufawo’s “Broadway Baby” from Follies were particularly memorable, as was her second number, the very funny “Press Hash to Re-Record” by Alex James Ellison.

Daisy Pearson’s “Stay with Me” from Into the Woods and Gavin Rasmussen’s “Marry Me a Little” from Company were also well-received, as was Josh Rosewood’s “Finishing the Hat” from Sunday in the Park with George. Rasmussen returned with an incredible rendition of “Tartarus” by Luke Bateman & Michael Conley earning him a Highly Commended spot.

While the judges (Fra Fee, Callum Scott Howells, Jak Malone, Alex Parker and Jenna Russell) deliberated, the audience was treated to performances by Milly Willows, the 2023 winner, who sang “Worst Pies in London” from Sweeney Todd. Joaquin Pedro Valdes and Ronav Jain performed “Giants in the Sky” from Into The Woods, and Molly Osborne and Jack Quarton delivered a touching duet of “Time” from The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. 

The legendary Bonnie Langford closed the entertainment segment with a powerful “I’m Still Here” from Follies, a song she had performed in Sondheim’s Old Friends which recently ran next door at the Gielgud. 

The anticipation reached its peak as Edward Seckerson and Jenna Russell took the stage to announce the winner. After a night of extraordinary performances, it was Madeleine Morgan who emerged victorious her performances of “Moments in the Woods” and “Running on Empty” left an indelible mark on both the judges and the audience, securing her place as a rising star in the world of musical theatre.

The SSSSPOTY gala once again highlighted the incredible talent and dedication of young performers, ensuring that the legacy of Stephen Sondheim continues to inspire and enchant audiences for generations to come.