West End Calling 2026 Final

A few days ago I had the rare chance to watch the next generation of West End stars perform at The Other Palace for the West End Calling @westendcalling finals.

At the launch event a few weeks ago I spoke to former judges about the components of a great performance, and after watching all 66 performers I think I’ve got my own idea.

It starts with the song choice. The four West End performers who served as judges praised those who came with bold song choices, or original and fresh takes. Judges also liked it when a connection to the material was shown.

A key element of WEC is the feedback from West End legends @georginaecastle @simonlipkin @thebenforster and @alexiakhadime after each performance. Their wealth of knowledge provided contestants with invaluable feedback. Judges’ feedback highlighted the need for a clear beginning, middle and end to a piece, stressing that progression is needed to hook an audience in, and make them invested. A performance which I thought did this brilliantly was senior runner-up Seren Jones and Junior vocal award winner Harry Georgiou

As put by Alexia, a performer with ‘light and shade’ to their voice is necessary. Something I was surprised by was how gorgeous, yet unique every performer’s tone was. However, I shouldn’t have been surprised. These were the best 66 performances out of over 2000 who auditioned: they were bound to be great! What Alexia was referring to was performers adding texture and variety to their voices. This particular performer who I remember doing this very well was junior winner June Young (who you can see touring the country playing Annie!!) and Senior vocal award winner Nollie Odoom.

So, that’s a great performance: boldness, originality, clear crafting of a story, and light and shade in one’s vocal performance, and I saw so many performers who embodied these qualities over the day. WEC is so important in helping performers develop and I am so impressed by the calibre of the year!

WEC will be auditioning again starting in the new year, I urge you all to enter!

— Joseph Sharpe @joseph.sharpe_