Students from a Lancashire secondary school are to set to take to the West End stage later this month after winning a national competition.
Westholme School students will be making their debut on a West End stage, after winning a national competition to go and see Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Starlight Express’.
In celebration of World Theatre Day 2026, 30 students, accompanied by staff, will be attending the matinee performance of the Olivier Award-winning production at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre on March 26 after being selected as the winning secondary school.
Students will then step onto the stage themselves to perform the song live at the spectacular Starlight Auditorium.
To enter, schools were asked to perform, record and submit a section of the iconic title song, ‘Starlight Express’.
Amy Holland, Director of Performing Arts, said: “I am so proud of our students for all their hard work during this whole process. We are so excited to see the show and perform on the stage. What an incredible opportunity and we are honoured to represent Westholme and Lancashire.”
Entries were judged by a panel including members of the West End cast and representatives from Young Voices – hosts of the largest children’s choir concerts in the world.
Performances were assessed on musicality, vocal technique, stage presence and expression, with Westholme’s entry standing out among submissions from across the country.
Paul Taylor, Principal at Westholme School, said: “Westholme School’s success reflects its continued commitment to creative and performing arts, providing students with opportunities to develop confidence, teamwork and ambition beyond the classroom.
“When they step onto the London stage next month, they will not only be representing their school, but the wider Lancashire community on a national platform.”
Year 8 student Izabella Baldwin added: “We are very grateful to have this opportunity and cannot wait to perform on the stage. In the words of Starlight Express
“There truly was a light at the end of the tunnel.”
A spokesperson for the competition organisers congratulated the school, praising both the students and staff for their winning entry.
The school’s West End competition success is not the only arts achievement it has celebrated recently.
One talented Westholme School student actually had the honour of performing for His Majesty King Charles III during his recent visit to Lancashire.
Neve Cowan from Preston, was part of a string quartet selected to perform at Samlesbury Hall as the King met with Lancashire dignitaries, organisations and charities.
The quartet played as His Majesty entered the historic hall, performing God Save the King, before continuing with a programme of classical music during the visit.
Neve, 14, played the cello – an instrument she began playing in Year 2 at Westholme Prep school- alongside three fellow members of the Lancashire Youth Symphony Orchestra, Lucy Lai, Laura Kesiak, and Lydia Harris.
The performance formed part of the King’s official visit to the region, during which he learned more about the work of local organisations and charities.
The King, a keen musician and supporter of the arts, took time during the reception to talk to the young musicians and congratulate them on their outstanding performance.
Neve said: “It was a real honour to play for the King and as part of such a wonderful quartet. He was so friendly and warm to all of the guests – it was an experience and day that I will never forget.”
Neve, a music scholar at Westholme and a Yamaha Ambasaddor, has also secured a place at Junior Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester in September.
Princiapl Paul Taylor said: “This was a tremendous honour for Neve. The high calibre of her performance reflects the strength of musical talent we develop at Westholme, and how we nurture confidence in our young people.”
Tim Rogers, Head of Lancashire Music Service, added: “This was an amazing opportunity and honour for young musicians from Lancashire to play for the King of England. I am sure the musicians will remember this performance for the rest of their lives.”
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More so than that, Westhome School also last month celebrated three wins at the National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) North West Awards.
The school won Best Staging of a Youth Musical for its production of Miss Saigon, alongside Best Musical Director, awarded to Director of Music Ben Holt, also for Miss Saigon.
In addition, Best Supporting Actress in a Youth Musical was awarded to Maya Pickford for her performance as Rizzo in Grease.
Principal Paul Taylor said: “We are incredibly proud of our students, alumni and staff. These awards reflect the passion, professionalism and teamwork that sit at the heart of performing arts at Westholme.”
