THE SPOTLIGHT beckons for two Rugby siblings after they each earned a place in the grand final of a national musical theatre singing competition.
Louisa Roberts, 15, and her brother Sasha, 17, wowed a panel of judges made up of West End stars to beat other hopefuls to a place in the final of West End Calling.
The young performers first auditioned back in 2019, and were keen to pick up where they left off following a break of nearly two years due to the pandemic.
They performed in the semi-finals at the Turbine Theatre in London in front of West End performers Luke Bayer – from Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Rent, Soho Cinders and Fiver – and Grace Mouat – from SIX, Romeo & Juliet and Be More Chill – who hand picked the siblings to take part in the final in London in December.
Rugby School student Louisa said: “I love performing more than anything else in the world, so I am so excited to be a part of this incredible competition.”
Sasha, who attends Hertfordshire stage school Emil Dale Academy, said: “This is my second time competing in the finals of West End Calling and I am so excited and grateful to have been given the opportunity to compete again.
“I would like to thank my family for being so supportive of me going into this industry and I would also like to thank my college for helping me get to this point.”
Luke said: “The talent at West End Calling is always amazing but this year is definitely the best. They make it so hard for us to choose who to put through which is a testament to their hard work and professionalism.”
Grace said: “It’s so inspiring to watch so many young performers who are so passionate about musical theatre. It’s only a matter of time before they will be up there in the west end. Good luck for the final.”
West End Calling is a nationwide musical theatre singing competition for young performers which auditions all over the UK.
At the final, which takes place at London’s Charing Cross Theatre on December 12, Louisa and Sasha will perform a song from a musical to a live audience of industry professionals, agents, casting directors and the public – and a panel of West End stars.
Visit www.westendcalling.co.uk for more information on West End Calling.
