An aspiring singer/actress from Welshpool has been catapulted into the national limelight after winning one of the industry’s most prestigious prizes.
Caroline Howells won the Richard Williams Musical Theatre Prize in front of a packed house at the Parc and Dare Theatre in Treorchy at the weekend and now seems destined for a big career on the stage.
This is the competition’s first year and it commemorates the life and work of Richard Williams who made an outstanding contribution to the field of musical education in Wales and it attracted the country’s top up-and-coming performers.
“I still can’t believe it,” said Caroline, who studies at the Musical Theatre Academy in London. “This award is something I will really treasure. The people I have met through doing this competition were lovely and they have already asked me to go back and sing with the Richard Williams Singers when they have a concert sometime and to visit them next year when they hold this competition again. I will really look forward to that.”
The 20-year old qualified for the final through tough auditions and was unanimously voted the winner by the panel of judges for her renditions of ‘The Sailor of My Dreams’ from Dames at Sea, ‘Dear Daddy’ from Brat Camp and ‘Here I am’ from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. As well as a crystal glass trophy, Caroline also won £1,000.
Remarkably, her appearance was in doubt on the eve of the event after being struck with a sore throat but her parents came to the rescue.
“Caroline had a terrible bad throat and her dad and I went down to meet her there on the day with pot of honey in hand and tea spoon!” said proud mum Jane. “It seemed to do the trick as her voice was crystal clear and filled the theatre.”
Musical Theatre Academy London Principle, Annemarie Lewis Thomas, attended the event in person to show her support.
“The standard of the competition was so high so we are proud of Caroline for representing us so professionally,” she said: “We were thrilled when Caroline was announced to be the winner after three stunning and very diverse performances.”
But there was little time for Caroline to celebrate. The youngster returned to London where she hopes to catch the eye of West End agents through a special short run of the ‘Zombie Prom’ this week.
The MTA course does not qualify for the student loan scheme so Caroline is currently funding herself. If you would like to sponsor or support this talented young lady, contact her on:
sponsor.cici@gmail.com