Suki Hillier – West End Calling 2024 Runner-Up

Suki Hillier’s performance of ‘Naughty’ at the West End Calling 2026 Final launch event a few days ago: https://youtu.be/L7bwMsYIFys

Suki was the runner-up of West End Calling 2024, where she sang creative director Alex James Ellison’s favourite rendition of ‘The Winner Takes It All’ of all time. Following this, Suki went on to play Matilda in Matilda the Musical in the West End for two contracts. Below is the wonderful conversation I had with her talking all things West End Calling, Matilda and the future!

J: Suki, it’s so nice to speak to you! I’d love to know: how has West End Calling shaped, or changed the way that you perform? What did you learn from the experience?

S: I learnt that even though you have nerves, you can still go and do your thing! West End Calling really allowed me to sing my heart out – it was just incredible!

J: So after West End Calling, you went on to play Matilda in Matilda. How did West End Calling help you with that? Did it teach you any skills that you take forward with you?

S: I think (competing in West End Calling) just boosted my confidence a little bit, because I was only nine at the time, so I had no idea what I was doing. When I actually got to step on that stage (in Matilda), I knew what it felt like… It really just boosted my confidence, and when I got into Matilda, it was just so easy (having that experience) made (Matilda) so much more enjoyable for me

J: I’ve heard that you have some very exciting things coming up! Can you tell us more about it?

S: Yes! Tomorrow I am travelling to New York, to talk about imagination and theatre and about Matilda… a TED Talk! I’m going to be doing a TED speech based on Lego because they’ve got some new things coming out, and I’m going to be talking about imagination!

Speaking to Suki, she is such a kind and genuine young actress who oozes confidence, and I wish her all the best for her TED talk (!!!) and anything that may come in the future. It’s amazing to see how West End Calling can give young performers that extra push to pursue their passions and feel confident in doing so.

West End Calling’s Grand Finals takea place at The Other Palace on 25 May. I urge you all to go or audition next year!

— Joseph Sharpe @Joseph.sharpe_