Review: Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2026, Sondheim Theatre

What is the collective noun for a large group of musical theatre fans? A fanfare of supporters? A medley of harmonising enthusiasts? Whatever the answer, they were all gathered at the Sondheim Theatre on the afternoon of 7 June for the 18th annual Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year (SSSSPOTY) competition.

Usually home to Les Misérables, the stage was bare save for a piano, although remnants of the barricades of 19th-century France could still be seen hanging from the theatre boxes. Family and friends of the performers filled the auditorium and were not shy in offering their vocal support throughout the afternoon.

The show opened with all finalists and reserves joining together for a moving rendition of ‘Company’ from the musical of the same name. Immaculate, fluid and emotionally charged, it was a stunning start that signalled the audience was in for a treat.

Bella Brown then took to the stage as compère. Oscar Conlon-Morrey had been listed as host but was unexpectedly unavailable, leaving Brown to step in at the last minute. Reading from a folder in hand, she proved both funny and engaging, instantly establishing a warm rapport with the audience.

What can be said about the quality of the performances? They were exceptional. Sondheim is notoriously demanding. His intricate rhyme schemes enrich the storytelling but require extraordinary vocal control, while his songs demand a level of characterisation capable of conveying both subtle nuance and profound emotion.

Charlotte English from BIRD Conservatoire emerged as a deserving winner, captivating the audience with her moving performance of ‘I Read’ from Passion. Her victory earned her a £1,000 prize and the opportunity to headline her own Sondheim-inspired cabaret in London.

Fellow BIRD Conservatoire student, Taziva-Faye Kastsande, was named runner-up for her powerful rendition of ‘Last Midnight’ from Into the Woods, receiving a £500 prize. Third place went to Rosie Sutton of the University of Oxford, whose performance of ‘Getting Married Today’ from Company earned her a £250 award.

As expected, the illustrious judging panel brought a wealth of musical theatre experience to the task, comprising Melanie La Barrie, Andy Nyman, Jenna Russell, Rachel Tucker and Matt Wolf, with Edward Seckerson as chair.

Announcing English as the winner, Stephen Sondheim Society Chair Craig Glenday said:

“Charlotte was a very worthy winner in a contest packed with incredible competitors. The judges felt that Charlotte’s rendition of ‘I Read’ from Passion was authentic and moving, capturing all the complex nuances of both the song and the character of Fosca. It was also the longest it has taken the panel to agree on the top three. In a field this talented, picking out winners is far from easy, but the fact that these performers reached the final means they are all winners. Ultimately, it was a wonderful afternoon of Sondheim that I hope honoured Steve’s memory.”

The competition has come a long way since its inception. This year, more than 350 applicants competed for a place in the final, with just 12 performers progressing through video submissions and subsequent in-person auditions at the Royal Academy of Music. Open to students aged 18 and over, the competition requires entrants to perform both a Sondheim song and a second piece chosen from the New UK Musicals catalogue. 

Previous recipients of the award include Courtney Bowman, Alex Young, Erin Doherty and Taron Egerton, so it’s fair to say we can expect to see a lot more of Charlotte English.

Produced by Craig Glenday and Tina Foote for the Stephen Sondheim Society
Musical Director: Nigel Lilley
Assistant Musical Director: John Haslam
Director: Hannah Chissick
Assistant Director: Craig Legg

Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year 2026 is an annual event.