Derry singer Niamh gets one step closer to achieving her dream of performing in the West End

Derry singer Niamh Long is one step closer to singing in the West End after making the semi-final of a new singing competition.

In early January 2017, Niamh auditioned for London based musical theatre singing competition West End Calling.

Judged by west end stars, she was selected to go through to the next round performing at the Tristan Bates Theatre, Leicester Square to a sold out audience.

On Saturday 28th January, she performed and was delighted to be chosen to go through to the Semi-Final in March.

Only 5 contestants, all aged between 8 and 21, were hand picked by judges for the semi-final.

Niamh talked about her experiences of being involved in the competition. “West End Calling has been the best experience of my life so far because I am doing something I love, performing musical theatre.

"I would recommend this competition for anyone, like me, who has a dream of being on a West End stage as it gives you a chance to audition and get feedback from people who have actually been there and performed in shows such as Phantom and Les Miserables.

Niamh has plenty of local performing experience. "This is my first time doing anything like this apart from local Feis singing competitions. I have received very honest and constructive criticism and ideas for new song choices from the judges which has helped me immensely.

"During the audition and heats I have met new friends and hope to keep in touch with them in the future. Last year I got my first main role as Emma Carew in St Columb’s College production of Jekyll & Hyde. After that I was approached to play another lead role in St Joseph's College school show. I also became a member of NISMAT(Northern Ireland School of Music & Theatre) where I played the role of Miss Hannigan in Annie.

"In September last year I joined Fresh Academy, a local drama and theatre group, and have performed in a number of productions. The academy ran a workshop with cast members from the touring production of Blood Brothers. I have also attended a BSPA (Belfast School of Performing Arts) workshop with Anna O’Byrne which was amazing and I learned so much from listening to their experiences”.

West End Calling is a musical theatre singing competition for young performers and get's applicants from all over the UK. This year, the final is at the Ambassadors Theatre, which is currently home to STOMP and is on the 11th April 2017. The competition has produced a final 30 out of hundreds of hopefuls that applied.

The semi-final will produce the top 12 to perform at the Grand Final.

In 2018, West End Calling will hold auditions at different locations around the UK so keep an eye out for future opportunities.