We are delighted to share more success from our Performing Arts department! Year 8 student William C‑E has successfully progressed through the first round of auditions in the West End Calling competition, one of the UK’s leading nationwide musical theatre contests for young performers.

West End Calling gives aspiring musical theatre artists aged roughly 7–21 the chance to develop their craft, perform live and receive professional feedback from West End performers and industry experts. The competition begins with private auditions, where contestants perform a short musical theatre piece for a panel of judges and receive invaluable advice on how to improve. Successful performers go on to regional heats, then semi‑finals, and ultimately compete in the Grand Final held in a West End theatre in London.

For many young artists, taking part in this competition is an education in itself. The experience mirrors what real auditions feel like and brings a taste of the professional world right into their grasp. Along the way participants sing in front of audiences, work with backing tracks and often take part in workshops designed to build confidence and technique.

Encouraging engagement with opportunities beyond the College is just as important to our Performing Arts team as the work we produce within our walls. We firmly believe that careful nurture inside our gates leads to confidence and resilience outside our gates — and William’s achievement is a wonderful example of that philosophy in action.

William said of his experience:

“I really enjoyed taking part in the first round of the West End Calling competition and got so much experience just by entering. It was amazing to receive feedback from the professional judges which will help me to make my performances even better in the future. I’m so happy I get to progress to the next stage and perform again. I can’t wait to take part in the next round!”

Please join us in congratulating William on his progress — we look forward to cheering him on in the next stage of this exciting competition!