A Ramsgate teenager will perform in front of tens of thousands of people after winning a place with musical theatre group West End Kids.
Alfie Lawrence, 17, scooped his place with the troupe following a tough audition and lengthy trial period.
This winter Alfie will perform with the troupe alongside the casts of West End shows and some of the biggest names in entertainment.
The troupe will appear at some major events, including the Great Ormond Street Christmas Ball on December 14, Royal Festival Hall on December 22 and The Royal Ascot Christmas Parade also on December 22.
Alfie, who is in his second year of Sixth Form at Chatham and Clarendon Grammar School, said: “Both my audition and my trial were challenging. As a non-dancer, the initial audition and especially the recall – in which we learnt the troupe’s actual choreography – were very hard, however I got on with it and performed as well as I possibly could.
“My trial was more challenging on the singing side of things, having to learn five songs with complex harmony in the last week. My mum was the first person to read the email stating I had been offered a place in the troupe, and she ran into my room exclaiming: ‘You got in!’ I was over the moon and couldn’t wait to get started.
“I am really looking forward to performing at the Dream Ball at Lancaster House, as here we will be doing lots of stripped back singing which I really enjoy.”
Martin Williams, founder and artistic director of West End Kids, said: “We are delighted to welcome Alfie to West End Kids. He is a talented young performer and we are confident he will be an asset to our troupe.
“To be part of our troupe you not only have to be a strong singer and dancer, but you have to be prepared to work hard. We are very demanding, but we know that talented kids love to be pushed hard and so that is what we do.”
West End Kids is a 20-strong elite musical theatre song and dance troupe. Based in Central London, the company provides a unique programme of “on the job” training; combining intensive weekend rehearsals with a busy performance schedule.
West End Kids performs at major events, national celebrations and high profile charity events. Recent performances include: Chelsea Flower Show, Camp Bestival, Hampton Court Palace, Move IT, West End LIVE, Latitude and CarFest.
Find more information at www.westendkids.co.uk