This Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer Of The Year 2024 was an absolute pleasure to witness. This may have been my first viewing but it won’t be my last. This was a transformative afternoon in the theatre.
This was one incredible afternoon at the Sondheim theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue. A showcase competition featuring 12 British musical-theatre-student finalists. As there were originally 330 applicants this year it was brought to our attention that we were witnessing the best of the best new arrivals to the West End world. Some of these students performed at a level I have never witnessed before. A number of which are clearly more than ready to hit the stage running. It was honestly a joy to watch each and every one of their performances.
The reason behind this competition is to continue to pay homage to Stephen Sondheim and his timeless music and lyrics. Stephen was very passionate about encouraging the younger generation to go for their wildest musical dreams, be it a performer in musical theatre or a musical writer and/or lyricist. Which is why each contestant performed two songs, one a famous Stephen Sondheim piece, the other a song from a brand new musical. There were 6 judges sat up in the circle, in the Royal Box, all well established in the arts. However, I did not envy them on this Sunday afternoon, they clearly had a very hard decision to make. The winner of the completion will not only leave with the prestigious title of Stephen Sondheim Society Student performer of the year, they will also walk away with the grand prize of £1000.
This incredible competition ran with ease, we, the audience, all felt in safe hands with the one and only, Bonnie Langford, guiding us smoothly through the afternoon’s festivities. Bonnie was the perfect host and I hope to see her return next year for their 17th annual event. Bonnie’s hosting had the perfect balance of both tongue-in-cheek and class. She was very entertaining and we were all blown away by her rendition of “I’m Still Here” from the Follies.
This was an afternoon in the theatre I won’t forget. We laughed, we cried, I honestly felt truly moved by some of their performances. I thought the order of the entire showcase was well thought out, from the group Sondheim pieces to the student’s solos. Also amongst the students I felt the order of their performances gave the audiences a perfect balance of light and shade, comedy and tragedy. Even though it was a competition we were somehow taken on a seamless musical journey.
Each and every finalist had an incredible level of professionalism. You could feel just how important it was to every single student to have this opportunity of performing a Sondheim song inside the Sondheim Theatre and what a true honour it was to witness. This year, I believe was the first year the Sondheim Society decided to not only have a winner and a runner up, but to add a third title of commended to the very talented Oliver Halford.
I personally thought Oliver’s first piece was a showstopper he performed “I’m Calm” from A Funny Thing That Happened On The Way To The Forum. Second place went to Gavin Rasmussen who gave a fabulous performance of a song called “Tartarus” from the new musical The Sorrows Of Satan. Gavin had the audience in stitches with this comedic piece, it was a memorable moment in the theatre. This year’s winner was an incredibly talented young woman called Madeleine Morgan. Madeleine gave the most exquisite performance of Sondheim’s marvellous song “Moments In The Woods” from the hit musical Into The Woods. Followed by an incredibly powerful and emotive performance of a song called “Running On Empty” from the musical Mayflies. Madeleine’s performance of this song was something quite profound. Miss Morgan’s voice was phenomenal, however, it was her combined level of talent as both a singer and an actress that made the audience truly connect with both the lyrics and the message of this song. I was personally in pieces.
If you are looking for an unforgettable afternoon at the theatre, look no further. As soon as the box office opens for their 17th annual event be sure to secure your seat. Not only will you witness 12 of the best up and coming British musical theatre artists, you will also be entertained with a number of group pieces and special guest performances. It was a true joy to witness Milly Willows, 2023 winner, performing an incredible rendition of “Worst Pies In London” from Sweeney Todd.
I was honestly blown away with the level of talent from each contestant but I’ll leave you with my personal favourite, that was the unbelievably talented young man named Harrison Langham. Both his solo performances were flawless in my opinion. Harrison’s second song was “There’s Always Tomorrow” from Peter Pan and I believe Mr Langham has to have secured his role as Peter Pan after this breathtaking performance.
Congratulations to all the contestants and especially to Madeleine Morgan as this year’s winner, which is more than well deserved, a true musical theatre star is born. I wish each and everyone of them all the success in the world.
This Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer Of The Year 2024 was an absolute pleasure to witness. It may have been my first viewing but it won’t be my last. This was a transformative afternoon in the theatre.