In a celebration of emerging musical theatre talent, the always hotly contested final of the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2025, was as always, a showcase of passion, precision, and promise. Hosted by Rosalie Craig, twelve finalists took to the stage, each performing a Sondheim classic alongside a contemporary piece from the New Musical Theatre canon, under the musical direction of Nigel Lilley.
The coveted title was awarded to Georgia Blessitt, whose haunting rendition of “Losing My Mind” from Follies was a masterclass in emotional restraint and vocal control. It was followed with “Watchin’ the Door” by Caroline Wigmore & Jen Green, a performance that revealed the performers versatility and instinctive connection to character. Blessitt’s win felt not only deserved but inevitable.
Runner-up Rigby Edwards also delivered a standout pair of performances. Their medley of “Old Friends/Like it Was” from Merrily We Roll Along was rich with nuance and nostalgia, while “Kill the Freak” by Ben Glasstone showcased a raw, contemporary edge that hinted at a performer ready to take on the most challenging of roles.
The afternoon opened with a rousing ensemble performance of “The Ballad of Sweeney Todd”, arranged by John Haslam, setting a suitably theatrical tone. From there, each finalist brought their own flavour to the stage. Hasia Akwaboah impressed with a stirring “Being Alive” and the heartfelt “My Day” by Alex James Ellison. Sophie Anne Baker offered a sultry “The Girls of Summer” and the introspective “A Story of My Own” by Michael Webborn & Daniel Finn.
Hudson Harden Scheel charmed with “Love, I Hear” and the poignant “Coming to Terms” by Christopher Orton & Jon Robyns, while Georgie Lagden delivered a biting “The Ladies Who Lunch” and the tender “I Could Promise You” by Eamonn O’Dwyer. Each performance was a reminder of the depth of talent emerging from the UK’s drama schools.
After a brief interval, the National Youth Musical Theatre Ensemble performed “Take Me To The World” from Evening Primrose, under the musical direction of David Randall. It was a fitting tribute to Sondheim’s lesser-known work and a testament to the next generation of performers.
The second half saw more stellar turns from Becky Bush, whose “Last Midnight” from Into the Woods was deliciously dark, and Maria Collins, who brought quiet devastation to “Every Day a Little Death”. Jamie Cushion’s “Not While I’m Around” was tender and true, while Lotte Pearl delivered a buoyant and characterful “Everybody Loves Louis” from Sunday in the Park with George.
Nimi Spiff brought a quiet intensity to “Old Friends/Like it Was”, offering a fresh interpretation of the Merrily We Roll Along classic that felt both personal and poignant, and Ella McLaughlin closed the competitive performances with a beautifully restrained “Loving You” from Passion.
As the judges, chaired by Jenna Russell, and including Darren Clark, Clare Foster, Nigel Harman, Catherine Jayes, and Laura Pitt-Pulford—retired to deliberate, the audience was treated to a trio of guest performances. Madeleine Morgan, last year’s winner, returned with a spirited “Moments in the Woods”; Molly Lynch and Jade Oswald brought humour and harmony to “Prove Me Wrong” a song from the abandoned third season of Schmigadoon; and Rosalie Craig herself closed the set with a luminous “So Many People” from Saturday Night.
As the results were announced, Georgia Blessitt’s name drew a roar of approval, and Rigby Edwards’ runner-up accolade was met with equal enthusiasm. The Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year continues to be a vital platform for young artists, and 2025’s final was a reminder of why: it champions not just technical excellence, but the storytelling soul at the heart of musical theatre.
More information about The Stephen Sondheim Society can be found here.
