Derry teenager through to the final of prestigious musical theatre competition

A Derry teenager has made it through to the final of a prestigious competition.

Niamh Long, who is just 16, has been selected to take part in the final of the West End Calling competition in London next week.

West End Calling is an exciting competition for young musical theatre performers in the UK.

It gives contestants under the age of 21 the chance to compete for the ‘West End Calling’ crown and perform at the final in one of London’s best theatres.

West End stars from shows such as Wicked, The Book of Mormon, Les Miserables, Mamma Mia and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory judge each round of the competition and give their expert opinions and advice.

The competition gives young performers a platform to build their confidence and performance skills, and get feedback from people who know.

It aimed at people who have the drive to make it as a performer but don't always have the opportunities.

In early January 2017, Niamh, a student at Thornhill College, auditioned for the competition.

She was selected to go through to the next round performing at the Tristan Bates Theatre, Leicester Square to a sold-out audience.

She performed in the semi-final on Saturday, march 25,, singing She Usedto be Mine Waitress , and was delighted to be chosen to go through to the final on April 11.

The local teenager said she was delighted to make it to the final.

“West End Calling gives me the chance to see how other people work and makes me ask what can I bring to the industry that is different,” she said.

“I love music, and the rush that it gives you is almost like an escape, it’s like entering a new world. West End Calling is really fun and a fantastic opportunity.

“Getting feedback from West End professionals is really scary but amazing, to hear what they have to say is such a rare opportunity.

“In Ireland, we don’t have anything like this so it’s given me the boost I need for the next part of my performance life. I’m looking to apply for London-based drama schools, coming through the audition process has provided me with an insight to how it will feel.

“If I won, it would be amazing,” added Niamh.