West End Gala: Student Performer of the Year

The Stephen Sondheim Society and Mercury Musical Developments presents the 11th Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year competition (aka SSSSPOTY) and the Stiles+Drewe Prize.

This annual competition sees 12 of the UK's finest students of musical theatre and drama compete for a £1,000 prize by singing a Sondheim song of their choice. Also up for grabs is the £1,000 Best New Song prize, awarded by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe to the creators of an original piece of musical theatre writing, plus the coveted Mentorship Prize - a year of guidance and consultancy from Stiles and Drewe awarded to the writers of a new musical that shows the most potential.

Hosting this year's event is Sondheim veteran Clive Rowe, with a special performance by guest judge Janie Dee, soon to be seen as Phyllis in Follies at the National Theatre. Heading up the panel of judges is critic and broadcaster Edward Seckerson, and Musical Director is Stephen Ridley.

It's a wonderful afternoon of Sondheim classics and new musical theatre writing, performed by the UK's best young talent - an event not to be missed!