11.06.2018
ArtsEd Musical Theatre student Alex Cardall, about to graduate, was awarded first prize of £1,000 in this year's Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year & Stiles and Drew Prize. He performed in the 12th anniversary West End Gala at the Savoy Theatre on 10 June, alongside 11 other finalists and the bar was set high. Alex, who appeared in Top Hat and Bullets Over Broadway earlier this year at ArtsEd, sang the Follies favourite 'Buddy's Blues' to scoop the top prize.
Principal Chris Hocking directed the proceedings and judges included Susie McKenna, George Stiles, Anthony Drewe and Sharon D Clarke, with Mark Etherington on keyboard throughout the evening.
Alex was delighted to have won: “I'm utterly thrilled to have won SSSSPOTY today. It's a fantastic day filled with the best of musical theatre writing and I'm honoured to have been a part of it.” {image1}
Winner of the Stiles & Drew Prize for Best New Song was Adam Wachter with his song 'You and Me', also sung by Alex Cardall. This prize recognises an outstanding song from a new musical and the winner receives £1,000 to put towards developing their work.
Alex is pictured above with Julia McKenzie, star of stage and screen, who appeared in the original production of Sondheim's musical Follies in 1987.