Corrine Priest Takes Top Honour at Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer Of The Year Competition; Winners Announced!

The finals of this year's Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer Of The Year Competition 2014 (SSSSPOTY) took place this afternoon (Sunday 18 May 2014) in London's West End, and was won by 20 year old CORRINE PRIEST (London School of Musical Theatre), with her outstanding performance of Sondheim's "Don't Laugh" from the musical Hotspot.

The award was presented on stage at the Garrick Theatre by renowned Sondheim performer and Patron of The Stephen Sondheim Society JULIA MCKENZIE. Runner up was 23 year old CALLUM MCINTYRE (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School) with his energetic performance of "Buddy's Blues" from Follies.

Also in competition today were the 12 new musical songs that were competing for The Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize. The winning songwriter was 26 year old TAMAR BROADBENT who had two songs in the finals "The Procrastination Song" (sung by 22 year old Luke Francis - E15 Acting School) and "Library Boy" (sung by 21 year old Jay Worley - Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama).

Alongside JULIA MCKENZIE judges included: West End and Broadway director and choreographer JONATHAN BUTTERELL; musical director NIGEL LILLEY, director DAVID LAN, writer EDWARD SECKERSON; plus singer songwriter SCOTT ALAN, Broadway Composer ANDREW LIPPA and composer/lyricists GEORGE STILES and ANTHONY DREWE who judged the Best New Song. The afternoon was hosted by West End actors DAVID BEDELLA and CAROLINE SHEEN.

The prestige and impact of these awards continues to grow each year, and in its eighth year, the industry spotlight is now firmly on these up and coming musical theatre talents, who each won a £1000. The event is produced by Neil Marcus and Samuel Joseph; directed by Chris Hocking with musical direction by Mark Etherington.

The Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year and The Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize - celebrating the best in musical talent.