Stephen Sondheim Society
Student Performer of the Year 2025
In it’s 17th year the Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (or SSSSPOTY as it’s affectionately known) returns to showcase the stars of the future. It honours the legacy of Stephen Sondheim and his passion for new talent and new writing. It looks to encourage performers to include Sondheim in their repertoire while also giving a platform to new writing, under the direction of Mr Sondheim himself competitors must sing a song of his composition as well as something from the collection at New Musicals UK to showcase a new writer or musical.
From small beginnings in 2007 with just 10 students it has now grown to become one of the most prestigious competitions in the world of musical theatre with over 330 applicants from music and drama schools all across the UK. The competition culminates in an afternoon where the 12 finalists sing to a packed audience at The Sondheim Theatre and a judging panel filled with incredible performers. Previous participants include Cynthia Erivo, Taron Edgerton and Alex Young so the newest cohort are in good company.
After a striking opening number of ‘The Ballad of Sweeney Todd’ performed by all the finalists (plus the 2 reserve finalists), they are grouped in 3’s and each perform their chosen songs with accompaniment from Nigel Lilley on the piano. The competition really showed what an incredible wealth of talent we have here in the UK and I have no doubt that all the finalists will go on to have long, illustrious careers in theatre. There were some stand out performances in particular: Sophie Ann Baker performed ‘The Girls of Summer’ as her Sondheim song and then chose ‘A Story of My Own’ from the Clockmakers Daughter as her New Musical piece. Sophie Ann had a beautiful tone and clarity to her voice while also bringing delightful characterisation to both pieces.
Hudson Harden Sheel delighted with his choices; ‘Love, I Hear’ from 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To The Forum’ along with ‘Coming to Terms’ from ‘Then, Now & Next’. Hudson gave us a beautiful contrast with these choices and was able to show off both his comedy skills as well as a heartfelt ballad.
Nimi Spiff was stupendous with her renditions of ‘Old Friends/Like it Was’ from ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ and ‘Stand’ from ‘Cases’. Nimi showed off an impressive belt and I look forward to seeing more from her in the future.
There can of course only be one winner, and this years cohort did not make it easy for the judging panel. While the judges were deliberating we were treated to performances from last years winner Madeline Morgan, who sang her winning song from last year ‘Moments in the Woods’ as well as Rosalie Craig, our compere for the afternoon singing ‘So Many People’ from Saturday Night. There was also a world premier of ‘Prove me Wrong’ a song that was due to be featured in the 3rd series of ‘Schmigadoon’ before the series cancellation.
The judging panel made up of Jenna Russell, Darren Clark, Clare Foster, Nigel Harman, Catherine Jayes and Laura Pitt-Pulford made their way to the stage and it was time for the winner to be announced.
Rigby Edwards was awarded runner up, she sang ‘Old Friends/Like It Was’ in her own accent which was a wonderful twist on the usual performances of this song. Her performance of ‘Kill The Freak’ from ‘Reanimator’ was also delightfully fun and knowing. She gave a fantastic performance. The ultimate winner of the night though was an obvious standout from the moment she opened her mouth, Georgia Blessitt took my breath away with her performance of ‘Losing My Mind’ from Follies, she performed with the power and emotion of someone well beyond her years. Georgia Blessitt is a name you should remember as I guarantee it is one we will be hearing for years to come.
The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition is a wonderful opportunity to see some incredible new talent and it also proves that the arts continue to thrive in the UK. It’s a worthy addition to your theatre attendance calendar.
This show was reviewed on the 8th June 2025 at the Sondheim Theatre. You can find out more about The Stephen Sondheim Society here: The Stephen Sondheim Society
Review written by Rosie Browne
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Photo credit: Ian Bowkett
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