Follow the yellow brick road
18 year old former Youth Music Theatre UK participant Bronte Barbe is not only singing her way to the Emerald City, but could be taking her ruby slippers all the way to the glittering West End, after reaching the final 10 of a BBC reality TV contest.
Over The Rainbow is seeking young female talent to play the role of Dorothy in a brand new Wizard of Oz stage production.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber is leading the search alongside a judging panel featuring Sheila Hancock, Charlotte Church and John Partridge. The final 10 out of an initial 9,000 applicants were chosen on last Saturday's show, broadcast on BBC ONE, with Lord Lloyd Webber claiming that "Bronte really had something."
The public have been given the chance to vote in an extra 'Wild Card Dorothy' to make up a final 11 contestants, one of whom will eventually be chosen to take on the role in London's West End.
In conjunction with the series, the BBC are also hosting a series of free singing events to give fans the chance to find their voice with help from the BBC Singers and stars of the show. For more info check out the BBC website.
Before landing this opportunity Bronte had been working as an Assistant Drama Teacher at her old drama school and in Summer 2009 she had a lead role in Youth Music Theatre UK's production of A Winter's Tale, performed at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. Through this she gained her Grade 8 Group Musical Theatre with Distinction.
We're especially proud of Bronte's success as we support Youth Music Theatre UK's activities through our NYMO fund. Good luck Bronte and steer clear of any low-flying broomsticks!
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