TWO pupils from Giggleswick School are celebrating having been accepted into the Youth Music Theatre UK, competing with nearly 1000 other young people for a place and a part in one the company’s productions in 2017.

Wil Richmond, who is in Lower Sixth at Giggleswick School, and Sophia Foster who is in Year 10 both attended an audition in Leeds in February. Both received ‘Early Offers’ to the company.

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The audition consisted of a three-hour workshop in which they had to learn a new dance routine and create a three minute piece of improvisation. They also had to learn a new song while at the audition as well as performing a pre-rehearsed one of their choice.

Along with membership, Wil has now earned a part in YMT’s production of Tess of the d’Ubervilles at Theatre Royal Winchester and Sophia will be performing in Jabberwocky at Theatre Royal Margate. They will be working with professional writers, directors and composers including Susannah Pearse, Gerry Flanagan and Rebecca Applin.

Sophia said: "At the time I was on a Spanish exchange with School when my parents received the email but instead of telling me they wanted to keep it a surprise so I found out on the train platform when I got home. I was so surprised I did tear up quite a bit, it means a lot to me.”

Will, who plans to fundraise for the residential rehearsal period by playing gigs in venues locally, said

“It means a lot to me to get in because it is a national organisation and it’s a great achievement. I want to go into musical theatre in the future so this will be a great experience.”